Benicio del Toro Shines as Sensei Sergio in 2025’s Standout Role
Benicio del Toro’s unforgettable turn as Sensei Sergio in 'One Battle After Another' has captivated audiences and critics alike, earning him GamesRadar+’s character of the year for 2025. Discover how his portrayal of a karate teacher and community leader stands out in a year packed with cinematic highlights.
2025 proved to be a remarkable year for Benicio del Toro, who delivered two unforgettable performances on the big screen. While his lead role as Zsa-Zsa Korda in Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme drew plenty of attention, it was his supporting part in Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another that truly stole the spotlight. Del Toro’s portrayal of Sergio St. Carlos, better known as Sensei Sergio, has been recognized as GamesRadar+’s character of the year, and for good reason.
Sensei Sergio: The Heart of Baktan Cross
Set against the backdrop of revolution, family ties, and the weight of legacy, One Battle After Another introduces us to Sensei Sergio, a karate instructor by day and a pillar of support for the undocumented community in Baktan Cross, California, by night. When ex-revolutionary Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio) discovers his daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti) is in danger, he turns to Sergio for help. Despite living under assumed identities for years, Bob and his family are suddenly threatened by Colonel Steven Lockjaw (Sean Penn), a relentless antagonist with a vendetta against the radical group the French 75. As Bob’s memory fails him, Sergio becomes his lifeline in a town crawling with immigration officers and danger at every turn.
Sergio’s commitment to his community is unwavering. Even as he agrees to help Bob, he’s juggling his own urgent mission—safeguarding dozens of undocumented migrants. As he puts it, he’s got “a little Latino Harriet Tubman situation going on at my place. All legit. From the heart.” Sergio’s willingness to risk everything for others sets him apart from the film ’s more forceful, less respected authority figures.
Comic Relief and Quiet Courage
Throughout the film, Sergio stands in stark contrast to characters like Lockjaw, who struggles to command respect despite his power. Sergio, on the other hand, is beloved by everyone around him—family, friends, and even the local teens. In one memorable scene, he guides a frazzled Bob through an apartment complex with the same calm authority he uses with his karate students, and Bob follows, albeit reluctantly.
Sergio also brings much-needed humor to the story. When police pull him over and ask if he’s been drinking, he responds,
“I’ve had a few.”
Pressed for details, he adds,
“a few small beers.”
It’s a moment that’s both funny and endearing, showcasing del Toro’s impeccable comedic timing.
Championing the Next Generation
What truly defines Sergio, though, is his quiet bravery. While the French 75 make headlines with their dramatic acts, Sergio’s heroism is found in the everyday risks he takes to protect his neighbors. He helps Bob escape police custody, even turning himself in to ensure Bob’s safety. As he tells Bob during a tense chase,
“I’ll tell you what freedom is. No fear. Like Tom fucking Cruise.”
In one of the film’s most moving scenes, Sergio leads a group of undocumented children and their families through hidden tunnels to safety. Mothers clutch their children’s hands, backpacks, and stuffed animals, underscoring the film’s message: the struggle continues, and it’s up to us to prepare the next generation to carry the torch.
Other notable characters from 2025’s films include Clark Kent/Kal-El from Superman, Thia from Predator: Badlands, Kleya Marki from Andor season 2, and Annie from Sinners. One Battle After Another is now available for home viewing.