Why Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese Spend Months Debating Every New Movie

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese recently opened up about their creative partnership, giving fans a rare look at how they build their films together. The longtime collaborators shared their insights during Time's 'A Year in Time' event in New York City, where DiCaprio was honoured as the magazine's 2025 Entertainer of the Year.

The actor, now 51, and the legendary director, 83, have worked together on six feature films and a short, most recently 'Killers of the Flower Moon' in 2023. Their seventh project, 'What Happens at Night,' is already in development, with Leonardo DiCaprio starring alongside Jennifer Lawrence in an adaptation of Peter Cameron's novel.

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese Shared on Their Partnership 

Reflecting on their partnership, the pair explained that their bond has deepened significantly since they first teamed up for 'Gangs of New York' in 2002. DiCaprio shared that a defining part of their process involves months of back-and-forth discussion about scripts and themes, which he views as an ongoing form of cinematic education.

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

He described how he and Martin Scorsese constantly challenge each other with questions and alternative perspectives, often exploring creative directions that are far from obvious. According to Leonardo DiCaprio, they are using this same approach on their current film, and working with Scorsese continues to be one of the most meaningful learning experiences of his career.

Martin Scorsese's Process of Creativity

Scorsese, whom DiCaprio characterised as extremely detail-focused and creatively intense, has long encouraged the actor to dive deep into each role and screenplay. The director elaborated that his own process typically begins in solitude, where he maps out shots with a script in hand and music playing as inspiration.

Despite their 32-year age difference, the filmmaker emphasised that their collaboration thrives because it is rooted in mutual trust and genuine admiration. He noted that this foundation allows them to tackle creative challenges that might otherwise feel unattainable.

Image Courtesy: People

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Leonardo DiCaprio's Admiration For Martin Scorsese

Leonardo DiCaprio also reflected on how his admiration for Scorsese began early in his life. He remembered watching the director's films with his father, who encouraged him to aim for the opportunity to work with Scorsese one day. DiCaprio said the director's encouragement of his early career—and of young filmmakers in general—left a lasting impact.

Their dynamic evolved even further during the making of 'The Wolf of Wall Street' in 2013. Scorsese recalled that DiCaprio pushed him to take on the film, and from that point forward, their trust strengthened dramatically. He explained that DiCaprio's enthusiasm inspired some of the film's boldest creative choices. Leonardo DiCaprio added that the project gave them a rare sense of freedom, allowing them to reshape the script and embrace a wilder, more improvisational energy.

Image Courtesy: People

Though their collaborative style often merges their artistic instincts, DiCaprio made it clear that he has no desire to move behind the camera himself. Despite many people asking him whether he wants to direct someday, he admitted he would never attempt to replicate what Scorsese does, though he wishes he had observed more of the director’s behind-the-scenes process throughout the years.

Their next chapter together is already in motion. 'What Happens at Night' is scheduled to begin filming in February, marking yet another milestone in one of Hollywood's most celebrated creative partnerships.

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