Martin Scorsese has commenced filming his eagerly awaited project, What Happens at Night, on location in Prague as of Friday, February 27. This marks the start of the Martin Scorsese Prague filming phase, with production initiating at the W Prague hotel, setting the stage to bring Peter Cameron’s novel to life.
The Historic W Prague Serves as Key Filming Location
The production began discreetly at the W Prague hotel, formerly the Grand Hotel Europa, situated on Wenceslas Square in the Czech capital. This landmark recently completed an extensive restoration capped by its reopening in October 2024, blending late 19th-century Art Nouveau aesthetics with luxurious modern design. Known for its intricate facades and rich interiors, the hotel has hosted notable figures such as Franz Kafka and Nicholas Winton, and its cinematic appeal has been demonstrated through appearances in films like Mission: Impossible and inspiration for set designs in Titanic.
The W Prague’s diverse spaces, including the historic Café Evropa and contemporary venues like the rooftop Above bar and Bisou cocktail lounge, provide a blend of atmosphere and function ideal for the narrative. Given the story’s focus on a mysterious hotel setting, it is expected that the W Prague will be a central cinematic backdrop, enhancing the film’s European atmosphere.
Plot and Production Details of What Happens at Night
What Happens at Night adapts Peter Cameron’s novel, with a screenplay by Patrick Marber. The story centers on an American couple traveling to Europe to adopt a child, only to find themselves isolated within an enigmatic hotel, confronting surreal events and psychological tension. The film explores themes of mystery and discomfort, fitting a tense and cautious tone.
The production is spearheaded by Martin Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions in collaboration with Apple Original Films and Studiocanal. Long-time Scorsese collaborator Rodrigo Prieto is attached as the cinematographer, promising distinctive visual storytelling consistent with their previous films including Killers of the Flower Moon and The Wolf of Wall Street.
The cast assembled features acclaimed actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Mads Mikkelsen, Patricia Clarkson, and Jared Harris. DiCaprio confirmed his participation during the Santa Barbara International Film Festival and joined the Prague shoot in late February. Jennifer Lawrence marks her first role under Scorsese’s direction. Mikkelsen takes on the character Brother Emmanuel, a mysterious faith healer, while Harris brings additional talent to the production; he is familiar with filming in Prague due to his work on Apple TV+’s Foundation series.
Forbes says this Prague venue is the closest thing to Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel
Filming Progress and Significance in Prague’s Film Scene
The early days of shooting in Prague began with a low-profile setup, with production vehicles stationed around Wenceslas Square and the hotel’s rear entrance on Politických vězňů street. While much of the film will likely be filmed in studio settings, using Prague’s city-center locations adds authenticity and grants audiences a glimpse of Scorsese’s eerie European hotel.
This production represents one of the most significant international film projects recently undertaken in Prague. The city offers seasoned film crews and architecturally rich locations, contributing to a large-scale, nuanced cinematic experience. The combination of heritage venues like the W Prague with modern filmmaking techniques highlights why Prague remains an attractive hub for high-profile productions.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect from the Film and Its Release
Principal photography is poised to continue throughout March, with additional location shoots scheduled in the Czech capital and its surroundings. As anticipation grows, What Happens at Night unites a distinguished creative team and cast, promising a film that blends psychological suspense with atmospheric storytelling.
While a release date remains tentative, expectations suggest a possible debut in 2027, reflecting Martin Scorsese’s well-known meticulous post-production process. This project underscores Scorsese’s ongoing commitment to rich, character-driven cinema, with Prague’s historic settings poised to play a pivotal role in the final film.
