Martin Scorsese has added Mads Mikkelsen to the cast of his upcoming film What Happens At Night, which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. The movie, based on Peter Cameron’s novel and featuring a screenplay by Patrick Marber, is set in a small snowy town in Europe and follows a couple who adopt a child during their stay.
Directed by Scorsese, the project is produced by Sikelia Productions alongside Apple Original Films and StudioCanal. DiCaprio and Lawrence lead the cast, with Mikkelsen playing the role of Brother Emmanuel. This film marks the reunion of Scorsese and DiCaprio after their collaboration on 2023’s Killers of the Flower Moon, which earned multiple Oscar nominations, including Best Picture.
Details About the Film and Key Collaborations
What Happens At Night centers on a couple, played by DiCaprio and Lawrence, who relocate to a remote European town and decide to adopt a child. Mads Mikkelsen appears as Brother Emmanuel, a character connected to the story’s setting and themes. The screenplay, adapted by Patrick Marber, brings Peter Cameron’s novel to life under Scorsese’s direction, with production support from Sikelia Productions.
The film continues the long-running Scorsese-DiCaprio partnership, which has produced several acclaimed films including Gangs of New York (2002), The Aviator (2004), The Departed (2006), Shutter Island (2010), and The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). Jennifer Lawrence’s involvement with Apple Original Films also adds to the project’s high-profile backing, following her roles in Causeway (2022) and Bread and Roses (2023).
Mads Mikkelsen’s Role and Career Highlights
Mikkelsen’s casting as Brother Emmanuel brings another acclaimed actor into the mix. Known for his performances in Hunt, Another Round, Casino Royale, Riders of Justice, Doctor Strange, and Hannibal, he continues to build a diverse filmography. His forthcoming projects include the action thriller Sirius and a dark comedy called The Last Viking.
Meanwhile, both Scorsese and DiCaprio are reportedly developing other projects, including a biopic on Theodore Roosevelt and an adaptation of David Grann’s book The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder, suggesting an ongoing creative partnership that extends beyond What Happens At Night.
What the Film Means for Audiences and the Industry
This collaboration not only brings together some of the film industry’s most talented figures but also highlights a continued partnership between streaming giants like Apple Original Films and leading filmmakers. With its blend of literary adaptation, deep character study, and the wintry European setting, What Happens At Night is positioned to attract wide attention upon its release. The film’s narrative, exploring themes of family and change, aligns with the reflective tone often found in Scorsese’s recent work.
