Martin Scorsese, one of cinema’s most celebrated directors, is set to return with a new feature, What Happens at Night, and the anticipation is palpable. This Apple Original Films project is already making waves in the industry thanks to its star-studded cast, moody premise, and the promise of Scorsese’s signature style. While many details remain under wraps, recent reports have confirmed that Mads Mikkelsen will join Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence in this mysterious, dream-like ghost story, with production already underway in Prague as of February 2026, according to Deadline and other sources.
The film is adapted from the novel of the same name by Peter Cameron, with the screenplay penned by Patrick Marber. The narrative centers on a married American couple, played by DiCaprio and Lawrence, who journey to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby. Their quest leads them to a cavernous, largely deserted hotel—a setting that seems tailor-made for Scorsese’s atmospheric touch. Here, they encounter a series of enigmatic characters: a flamboyant chanteuse, a depraved businessman, and a charismatic faith healer, the latter played by Mikkelsen. Patricia Clarkson is also attached to the project, likely portraying the chanteuse, as reported by Deadline.
While the full plot remains closely guarded, the film’s tone is described as “dream-like,” with ominous undertones reminiscent of Scorsese’s psychological thriller Shutter Island. The story promises a blend of supernatural intrigue and emotional depth, as the couple’s struggle to claim their baby gradually unravels the very fabric of their relationship. “Nothing is quite as it seems in this strange, frozen world,” notes AppleWorld.Today, hinting at a narrative where reality and illusion blur.
Mads Mikkelsen’s casting as Brother Emmanuel, the faith healer, is a coup for the production. Mikkelsen, lauded for his performances in films like Another Round (which won the Academy Award for Best International Feature), The Hunt, Casino Royale, and Doctor Strange, brings a magnetic presence to any role he inhabits. His recent credits include Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, The Promised Land, and voicing Kiros in Disney’s Mufasa: The Lion King. Upcoming projects for Mikkelsen include the dark comedy The Last Viking and the action thriller Sirius, underscoring his status as one of the most versatile actors working today.
Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, both Oscar winners, are no strangers to high-profile collaborations. This film marks yet another partnership between DiCaprio and Scorsese, following their work on Killers of the Flower Moon, which received ten Academy Award nominations and was also produced with Apple Original Films. Lawrence, meanwhile, has an established relationship with Apple, having starred in Causeway and Bread & Roses, and is set to headline and produce the upcoming murder mystery The Wives. The inclusion of Patricia Clarkson, an acclaimed actress in her own right, only adds to the film’s pedigree.
Behind the camera, Scorsese directs and produces through his Sikelia Productions banner, with production also involving Studiocanal. This international partnership reflects the film’s European setting and global ambitions. While the exact release date has yet to be announced, the fact that Scorsese is already in Prague and the production is moving swiftly suggests that What Happens at Night is a top priority for all involved.
For Apple, this project is another significant investment in prestige filmmaking. Apple TV+, the tech giant’s streaming platform, is available in over 100 countries and on more than a billion screens, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and a host of smart TVs and gaming consoles. The service, which costs $12.99 per month, offers a seven-day free trial for new subscribers, and customers who purchase new Apple devices can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free. The company’s collaboration with Scorsese and DiCaprio on Killers of the Flower Moon was a critical and commercial success, setting a high bar for this latest venture.
The source novel, What Happens at Night by Peter Cameron, is itself a work of haunting ambiguity, weaving together elements of psychological drama and the supernatural. The adaptation by Patrick Marber, known for his sharp, emotionally resonant scripts, is expected to retain the novel’s enigmatic quality while allowing Scorsese’s vision to shine through.
The film’s setting—a snowbound, almost empty hotel in a remote European town—calls to mind cinematic classics like The Shining and Scorsese’s own Shutter Island, both of which use isolation and atmosphere to heighten suspense and psychological tension. The supporting cast of oddball characters, from the chanteuse (likely played by Clarkson) to the depraved businessman and the faith healer, promises a tapestry of performances that could veer from the eerie to the profound.
Production details remain somewhat scarce, as The Express Tribune notes, with no official release date or full crew list yet announced. However, the involvement of such a high-caliber cast and creative team, along with the fast-tracked production in Prague, indicates that Apple and Scorsese are keen to maintain momentum. The film is being produced in partnership with Studiocanal, further highlighting its international scope.
For viewers and critics alike, the prospect of Scorsese tackling a ghost story with such a formidable ensemble is tantalizing. As Deadline observes, the film “cements itself as a project driven by mood and ominous tidings,” a departure from the director’s recent historical epics but very much in line with his interest in complex, character-driven narratives. The dream-like quality of the story, coupled with the psychological unraveling of the central couple, suggests a film that will linger in the mind long after the credits roll.
With production underway and anticipation building, What Happens at Night stands poised to be one of the most talked-about films of the coming year. Its blend of star power, literary pedigree, and Scorsese’s directorial prowess makes it a project that both cinephiles and casual viewers will be watching closely. As more details emerge, one thing is certain: in the hands of Martin Scorsese and this exceptional cast, the night is sure to hold more than a few surprises.