Scorsese Films Thriller with DiCaprio and Lawrence in the Czech Republic

Hollywood in Czech Settings

Legendary American director Martin Scorsese is currently filming his new film, What Happens at Night, in the Czech Republic — a gothic psychological thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence. This marks Scorsese's seventh collaboration with DiCaprio, following films such as Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon.

The main phase of filming commenced on February 24, 2026. Apple Studios released the first official images from the set on March 19, sparking a wave of attention from global media outlets ranging from Variety to Deadline.

From Prague to Kolín and Úštěk

Filming is taking place in several locations across the Czech Republic. The film crew began at the W Hotel in Prague on Wenceslas Square, before moving to the Kotěra Chateau near Kolín and to Úštěk in the Litoměřice district of northern Bohemia. The historic center of Úštěk served as the backdrop for a snow-covered European town — filmmakers covered the streets with artificial snow to create an authentic winter atmosphere.

According to available information, the main part of filming will also take place at Barrandov Studios. The entire project is operating under a code name for security reasons.

Story of an American Couple in a Foggy City

The film is based on the novel of the same name by Peter Cameron, with the screenplay written by British playwright Patrick Marber. The plot follows an American married couple who arrive in a small, snow-covered European town to adopt a child. However, in the local hotel, the couple finds themselves in a kind of liminal space, where a parade of oddballs awaits them — according to the book, including an extravagant chanteuse, a corrupt businessman, and a charismatic healer.

Alongside DiCaprio and Lawrence, the film will feature Mads Mikkelsen, Patricia Clarkson, and Jared Harris. The film is being produced by Apple Studios and Studiocanal in collaboration with Scorsese's company, Sikelia Productions. The premiere is expected in 2027.

Czech Republic as a Film Powerhouse

For the Czech film infrastructure, the project represents further confirmation of its international standing. As the CEO of Barrandov Studios, Petr Tichý, stated to ČT24: "The Czech Republic, with its locations, can portray scenes from France, Russia, Poland, or Hungary."

Since 2025, foreign productions can draw on increased film incentives — 25% of eligible expenses in the Czech Republic compared to the previous 20%, and even 35% for animated and digital projects. According to Vratislav Šlajer from the Association of Producers in Audiovisual Media, sixty percent of foreign film expenditures go to ordinary services outside the audiovisual sector — to craftsmen, hotels, and restaurants.

In 2024, foreign productions spent 5.5 billion Czech crowns in the Czech Republic, although this was a decrease compared to the record 9.2 billion in 2023. Nevertheless, the presence of Scorsese and DiCaprio represents exceptional publicity for Czech film locations — and confirmation that the Czech Republic remains one of the most attractive places for Hollywood productions in Europe.