Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese, two of Hollywood’s most celebrated figures, recently offered fans an intimate look at their creative process. The duo spoke at Time magazine’s “A Year in Time” event in New York City on December 10, 2025, sharing insights into their professional partnership, which has spanned over two decades.
The collaboration between DiCaprio and Scorsese is legendary in modern cinema. Having worked together on six films and one short film, their seventh project, What Happens at Night, is currently in pre-production. The upcoming film stars DiCaprio alongside Jennifer Lawrence, marking another high-profile pairing following their successful collaboration in Don’t Look Up.
A Two-Decade Collaboration Built on Trust
Since their first project together, Gangs of New York (2002), Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese have developed a unique working relationship defined by trust, creative debate, and mutual respect. DiCaprio, now 51, revealed that their process often involves months of discussion before filming begins.
“We debate for months about the films and screenplays, as part of a cinema education,” DiCaprio said. “Lots of questions, lots of playing devil’s advocate, exploring directions that may not seem obvious at first.”
Scorsese, 83, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of collaborative trust despite their 32-year age difference.
“We have this ability to collaborate together, and it’s based on trust and love,” he explained. “We go to places sometimes that feel almost impossible.”
This dedication to dialogue and preparation is central to the duo’s approach, ensuring that every project reflects a meticulous attention to detail and a shared vision.
Iconic Films Born From Collaboration
Throughout their partnership, DiCaprio and Scorsese have delivered some of cinema’s most memorable performances. Their collaboration includes:
- Gangs of New York (2002)
- The Aviator (2004)
- The Departed (2006)
- Shutter Island (2010)
- The Wolf of Wall Street (2013)
- Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
DiCaprio described working with Scorsese as a “profound learning experience,” emphasizing how the director’s obsessive attention to detail challenges him to explore new depths as an actor. For instance, during The Aviator, DiCaprio engaged in intense discussions with Scorsese to refine the screenplay and character approach, highlighting the dynamic of give-and-take that defines their collaboration.
The Wolf of Wall Street: A Turning Point
A particularly significant moment in their partnership came with The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). According to Scorsese, DiCaprio played a pivotal role in convincing him to take on the project, solidifying a foundation of trust and creative freedom.
“Trust was so intrinsic to who we are together as collaborators that we tried everything, and some of the most extraordinary things came from your enthusiasm,” Scorsese said.
DiCaprio added that the film’s production was akin to the style of Jackson Pollock, taking the script apart and experimenting to embrace a more dynamic and “collegial” approach.
Observing the Master Behind the Camera
While DiCaprio remains firmly in front of the camera, he admits that observing Scorsese’s filmmaking process is an invaluable experience.
“I could never do anything close to what Martin Scorsese does. But looking back, I would’ve loved to observe that process behind the camera a lot more,” DiCaprio said.
This mentorship-like dynamic illustrates why their partnership has been so fruitful. Scorsese’s decades of experience, combined with DiCaprio’s dedication and curiosity, results in films that are both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
What’s Next: What Happens at Night
Their next collaboration, What Happens at Night, is set to begin filming in February 2026. Adapted from Peter Cameron’s novel, the film will see DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence share the screen under Scorsese’s direction, promising another high-profile addition to their impressive body of work.
Fans eagerly anticipate how their collaborative debates and meticulous planning will shape this upcoming project, continuing a partnership that has become a benchmark for actor-director collaboration in Hollywood.
Conclusion
From Gangs of New York to Killers of the Flower Moon, Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese exemplify the power of collaboration built on trust, respect, and a shared passion for storytelling. Their months-long debates, meticulous planning, and mutual admiration demonstrate why their films consistently resonate with audiences and critics alike. As What Happens at Night approaches production, fans can expect yet another masterclass in modern cinema.
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