A New Novel by Thomas Pynchon is set to be released as Paul Thomas Anderson’s adaptation of Vineland premieres in theaters.

      Although Warner Bros. has not officially confirmed it, a deleted WGA filing, reports from test screenings, and hints from the official trailer suggest that Paul Thomas Anderson is set to release his second adaptation of Thomas Pynchon’s work, titled One Battle After Another, this fall. Following a modern update of Vineland and a decade after the director’s Inherent Vice, fans of Pynchon have yet another significant reason to celebrate this autumn.

      Pynchon, whose reclusiveness rivals that of Terrence Malick, is set to publish his first novel since 2013’s Bleeding Edge in October. Approximately 12 days after One Battle After Another premieres on September 26, Pynchon’s Shadow Ticket will be released on October 7, according to an announcement from Penguin Random House earlier today. Below is a synopsis of the novel, which consists of 384 pages and is available for pre-order here.

      Set in Milwaukee in 1932 during the Great Depression, with the repeal of Prohibition on the horizon and Al Capone behind bars, the private investigation scene is shifting from labor-management issues to more personal cases. Hicks McTaggart, a former strikebreaker turned private investigator, believes he has found steady work until he is dispatched on what should be a simple assignment: tracking down and returning the heiress of a Wisconsin cheese fortune who has gone missing. Before he realizes it, Hicks is swept up on a transoceanic liner, eventually finding himself in Hungary, where the language is alien, the coastline nonexistent, and ample pastry is available for even the most seasoned officer to enjoy in retirement—yet there is still no sign of the runaway heiress. By the time Hicks finally locates her, he becomes embroiled with Nazis, Soviet spies, British informants, swing musicians, paranormal enthusiasts, outlaw motorcyclists, and the troubles they all bring, none of which he is equipped to handle, let alone get paid for. Surrounded by a history he cannot comprehend and unable to navigate, Hicks’ only consolation is that the Big Band Era is beginning, and he happens to be a decent dancer. Whether this skill will help him find his way back to Milwaukee and a normal life, which may no longer exist, remains uncertain.

      Regarding One Battle After Another, it appears that PTA is still heavily engaged in post-production, so it’s wise to approach any trade reports with caution.

      I spoke with PTA yesterday, and he informed me that the movie isn’t finished yet—thus, I question the sources mentioned in this article and also the motivation behind articles like this. Who is promoting them and for what reason? https://t.co/YdbvYypRtt— Boots Riley (@BootsRiley) March 30, 2025