Martin Scorsese has arrived in Prague to begin work on his upcoming movie, What Happens at Night, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. The director’s presence signals that the long-awaited Martin Scorsese Prague shoot is about to commence, marking one of the most prominent international film projects to be based in the Czech capital in recent years.
Filming Locations and Production Details
The film is an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel and is set in a snow-covered European town. While large portions of the movie will be filmed in studio settings and locations outside Prague, part of the production will include scenes shot in Prague’s historic city center in March. This hybrid approach leverages Prague’s versatile architecture and well-established production infrastructure to convincingly replicate a generic European environment.
This project represents a significant milestone for both Prague and Scorsese, as the director has never filmed a feature there before. The scale of the production and the caliber of talent involved make it one of the city’s most prestigious shoots to date. The film is supported by Apple Studios working alongside Studiocanal and produced through Scorsese’s company, Sikelia Productions. Patrick Marber has adapted the screenplay from Cameron’s novel, which follows an American couple traveling to Europe to adopt a child but finding themselves isolated in an eerie, near-empty hotel filled with mysterious characters.
With the film officially registered with the Czech Audiovisual Fund, local crews and studios are expected to play key roles in the production, emphasizing Prague’s importance as a growing hub for major international film projects.
Notable Cast Additions and Industry Connections
In addition to Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, Patricia Clarkson has officially joined the cast. Clarkson, who has appeared in films such as Lilly, Andrea Pallaoro’s Monica, and Universal’s She Said, brings further prestige to the ensemble. Her ties to the Czech Republic include receiving the Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2019 and serving on the festival jury in 2023.
Industry reports suggest that Mads Mikkelsen may also be part of the cast, although this has yet to be confirmed. Mikkelsen is no stranger to filming in Czechia, having worked on titles like The Promised Land, A Royal Affair, Casino Royale, and the 2006 drama Prague. If confirmed, his involvement would further enrich this already distinguished ensemble.
The combined experience of the cast and crew is extraordinary, encompassing multiple Academy Awards and numerous nominations among its key members. Leonardo DiCaprio’s current Best Actor nomination for his role in One Battle After Another highlights the project’s ongoing connection to the awards season circuit. This film also marks the seventh collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio, following critically acclaimed works such as Killers of the Flower Moon, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Shutter Island. For Jennifer Lawrence, this will be her first direct collaboration with Scorsese, although he recently produced her film Die My Love.
Cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto is expected to join the project as well, continuing a longstanding visual partnership with Scorsese that shaped the look of many of the director’s recent films, including The Wolf of Wall Street, Silence, The Irishman, and Killers of the Flower Moon.
Project Significance and What Lies Ahead
The arrival of Martin Scorsese in Prague and the formal registration of the film with local authorities indicate that pre-production is well underway, with shooting likely to begin soon. What Happens at Night has the potential to become one of the most culturally significant international films produced in the Czech Republic, underscoring Prague’s growing reputation as a destination capable of hosting ambitious, auteur-driven projects.
With such a high-profile director and a star-studded cast, the film is poised to attract global attention and contribute to the continued expansion of Prague’s film industry. The local engagement of experienced crews and established studios further strengthens the city’s position within the international cinematic landscape, promising a significant boost to Czech film production capabilities and global recognition.
“Scorsese’s arrival was discretely revealed through Instagram stories posted by his daughter, Francesca Scorsese, as well as on the director’s own account.” – Source Reports
“The presence of Scorsese in the Czech capital all but confirms that filming in Prague is imminent.” – Industry Insider
“Patricia Clarkson has some recent history in Czechia. The actress was awarded a Crystal Globe for Outstanding Artistic Contribution to World Cinema at the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival in 2019.” – Deadline
“Mads Mikkelsen is also no stranger to the Czech Republic: he shot The Promised Land, A Royal Affair, and Casino Royale in the country, as well as the 2006 drama Prague.” – World of Reel
