Martin Scorsese, the legendary filmmaker behind classics like Goodfellas and Shutter Island, is gearing up for his next cinematic venture, What Happens at Night. The project, shrouded in mystery and described as a "ghost story," is already drawing serious attention—not just for its enigmatic premise, but for its remarkable cast. According to Deadline, the film will star Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and, most recently, Mads Mikkelsen, whose involvement was confirmed just days ago. Patricia Clarkson is also set to appear, likely as the hotel’s flamboyant chanteuse.
Based on Peter Cameron’s novel of the same name and adapted for the screen by Patrick Marber, What Happens at Night promises a blend of psychological intrigue and supernatural undertones, reminiscent of Scorsese’s earlier foray into moody, atmospheric storytelling with Shutter Island. The film is being produced as an Apple Original Films feature, in partnership with Studiocanal, further cementing Apple’s growing reputation as a home for high-profile, auteur-driven cinema.
The story centers on a married American couple who travel to a small, snowy European town with the hope of adopting a baby. Their journey, however, takes a strange turn when they check into a cavernous, largely deserted hotel. There, they encounter a cast of enigmatic figures: a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman, and a charismatic faith healer played by Mads Mikkelsen. As AppleWorld.Today reports, “Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world.” The couple’s struggle to claim their baby becomes a journey of self-discovery, as “the less they seem to know about themselves and the life they’ve built together.”
While the film’s plot details remain tightly under wraps, the dream-like, ominous tone has already drawn comparisons to Scorsese’s most atmospheric work. Deadline notes that the mood-driven narrative and sense of foreboding are “the type of film Scorsese hasn’t done since Shutter Island.” Fans of the director’s more psychological fare are undoubtedly eager to see how he’ll handle this ghost story, especially with such a powerhouse cast.
Mads Mikkelsen’s addition to the project is particularly intriguing. The Danish actor, acclaimed for his performances in films like Another Round (which won the Academy Award for Best International Feature), The Hunt, and Casino Royale, brings a unique gravitas to every role. In What Happens at Night, he’s set to play Brother Emmanuel, the faith healer whose presence in the story is sure to add another layer of mystery. Mikkelsen’s recent credits include major franchises like Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and voicing Kiros in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. Upcoming projects for the actor include the dark comedy The Last Viking and the action thriller Sirius, according to The Express Tribune.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence are no strangers to working with Apple, either. DiCaprio recently starred in Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, which garnered ten Academy Award nominations and further solidified the fruitful partnership between Scorsese, DiCaprio, and Apple Original Films. Lawrence, meanwhile, has appeared in Apple projects such as Causeway and Bread & Roses, and is set to star in and produce the forthcoming murder mystery The Wives. Their combined star power, along with Mikkelsen’s international acclaim and Clarkson’s seasoned presence, makes What Happens at Night one of the most anticipated films in recent memory.
Production for the film appears to be moving quickly. Reports from Deadline indicate that Scorsese is already in Prague ahead of production, suggesting that the project is on the fast track. However, as of February 20, 2026, no official release date or further production details have been announced. The film will be directed and produced by Scorsese through his company, Sikelia Productions, with Apple and Studiocanal backing the project. The screenplay, adapted by Patrick Marber, is expected to stay true to Cameron’s original novel while infusing it with Scorsese’s signature style.
For Apple, What Happens at Night represents another significant investment in original content. Apple TV+ has quickly become a major player in the streaming wars, offering its service on over a billion screens worldwide, from iPhones and iPads to smart TVs and gaming consoles. The platform’s commitment to high-quality, auteur-driven projects is evident in its collaborations with filmmakers like Scorsese, and its willingness to greenlight ambitious, unconventional stories.
Patricia Clarkson’s involvement as the likely chanteuse adds another layer of intrigue. Clarkson, known for her nuanced performances in both film and television, is expected to bring a haunting presence to the film’s mysterious hotel setting. The rest of the supporting cast, including the roles of the depraved businessman and other enigmatic hotel guests, has yet to be announced, fueling further speculation about the film’s direction.
As for the source material, Peter Cameron’s novel is celebrated for its surreal, dream-like quality and exploration of identity, grief, and the supernatural. The adaptation by Patrick Marber, who has a reputation for sharp, psychologically complex screenwriting, is likely to emphasize these themes, creating a film that is as emotionally resonant as it is visually arresting.
Mikkelsen, reflecting on his recent roles, has continued to build a diverse portfolio. His work in Bryan Fuller’s creature feature Dust Bunny was met with praise, and his television work, particularly as the lead in Hannibal, has earned him a devoted fanbase. His casting as Brother Emmanuel in What Happens at Night is already being hailed as a coup for the production, with industry insiders predicting that his performance will be a highlight of the film.
With Scorsese at the helm, a script adapted from a celebrated novel, and a cast that reads like a who’s who of contemporary cinema, What Happens at Night is poised to be a major event in the film world. The combination of supernatural intrigue, psychological depth, and star power is a recipe for both critical and commercial success—though, as always, nothing is guaranteed in Hollywood.
For now, audiences will have to wait for further details on production and release dates. One thing is certain: with Martin Scorsese, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen, and Patricia Clarkson all on board, What Happens at Night is a film that promises to haunt viewers long after the credits roll.