Hollywood’s most anticipated collaboration just got official. Martin Scorsese has committed to directing “What Happens at Night,” reuniting with Leonardo DiCaprio while bringing Jennifer Lawrence into his cinematic universe for the first time.
The Project Details
Apple Original Films is in final negotiations to finance and produce the supernatural thriller alongside Studiocanal, with filming targeted for January 2026. The project adapts Peter Cameron’s acclaimed 2020 novel, with Patrick Marber crafting the screenplay.
This marks Scorsese’s 27th feature film and his first directorial effort since 2023’s “Killers of the Flower Moon”. The gothic tale represents a return to psychological horror territory reminiscent of his 2010 thriller “Shutter Island”.
Plot and Setting
“What Happens at Night” follows an unnamed American couple who travel to a remote, snow-covered European city to adopt a baby. The wife battles stage-four cancer while her anxious husband fears her condition might derail the adoption process.
The Mysterious Hotel
Their stay at the Borgarfjaroasysla Grand Imperial Hotel becomes central to the story’s supernatural elements. The vast, nearly empty hotel houses eccentric characters including:
- A flamboyant former actress turned lounge singer named Livia Pinheiro-Rima
- A morally questionable businessman who claims to know the husband
- Brother Emmanuel, a charismatic faith healer
Star Power and Collaborations
Scorsese-DiCaprio Partnership Continues
This project extends DiCaprio’s remarkable partnership with Scorsese, marking their seventh collaboration. Their previous films include “Gangs of New York,” “The Aviator,” “The Departed,” “Shutter Island,” “The Wolf of Wall Street,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon”.
Lawrence’s Scorsese Debut
While this represents Lawrence’s first time working with Scorsese as director, the filmmaker recently served as producer on her upcoming film “Die, My Love,” which premiered at Cannes Film Festival to critical acclaim.
Industry Context and Timeline
Apple’s Continued Investment
Apple’s involvement makes strategic sense given their successful collaboration with Scorsese on “Killers of the Flower Moon” and existing first-look deals with both Scorsese and DiCaprio’s Appian Way production company.
Production Schedule
With a January 2026 production start date eyed, the timing positions the film for potential awards consideration in 2027. However, this timeline could overlap with DiCaprio’s Oscar campaign for Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” which premieres this fall.
The Source Material
Peter Cameron’s novel earned critical praise for its atmospheric storytelling and psychological depth. The book was described by reviewers as a “dreamy fable confronting love, death, and our inevitable inadequacy”.
Literary Adaptation Process
Studiocanal secured the adaptation rights in spring 2023, initially with Scorsese attached as producer. The project evolved when Scorsese decided to direct rather than just produce, elevating its profile significantly.
What This Means for Cinema
Return to Psychological Horror
Scorsese’s venture into supernatural territory recalls his mastery of psychological complexity seen in “Shutter Island”. The director has previously praised classic ghost stories, notably calling 1944’s “The Uninvited” one of the greatest ghost stories ever made.
A-List Reunion
DiCaprio and Lawrence previously shared screen time in Adam McKay’s 2021 satirical hit “Don’t Look Up”. Their reunion under Scorsese’s direction promises to deliver both star power and dramatic gravitas.
Industry Implications
This announcement solidifies Scorsese’s continued relevance in modern filmmaking while showcasing Apple’s commitment to prestige projects. The combination of established partnerships and fresh collaborations positions “What Happens at Night” as a major awards contender.
The project also represents Studiocanal’s successful development strategy, having nurtured the adaptation from novel to major studio production over two years.
With three Oscar winners leading the project and a haunting source material as foundation, “What Happens at Night” promises to be one of 2026’s most compelling cinematic experiences.
