Leonardo DiCaprio Shares His Thoughts on Why He Prefers Acting Over Directing

Leonardo DiCaprio at the A Year in TIME event in N.Y.C on Dec. 10, 2025.
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

Leonardo DiCaprio has made it clear that he has no immediate plans to step into the director’s chair. During a discussion with renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese at TIME magazine’s A Year in TIME event on December 10, the actor explained his hesitation to pursue directing.

DiCaprio, now 51, expressed his admiration for Scorsese’s work, stating, “Some people have asked me if I wanted to direct. I’m like, ‘I would never want to direct. I could never do anything close to what Martin Scorsese does. Why would I do that?’”

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio at the A Year in TIME event in N.Y.C. on Dec. 10, 2025.
Credit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

The Oscar-winning actor, known for his versatile roles, revealed a desire to have been a more passive participant in some of his past projects. He remarked on his wish to have observed the filmmaking process more closely. “You play these characters, you try to get into the depth of their soul as much as you possibly can. And I would’ve loved to be much more of a voyeur … to watch what you (Scorsese) do behind the camera,” DiCaprio shared.

In discussing their collaborative approach, DiCaprio described the preparatory work that goes into their projects. “That’s been our process a lot, I think, working together … the ability to almost have a debate for months before and lots of questions, and lots of playing devil’s advocate about a way to approach things that may not be the most obvious direction,” he remarked.

This collaborative spirit extends to their newest project as well, which DiCaprio emphasized has been one of the most profound learning experiences for him. He also expressed his pride in their long-standing partnership.

Reflecting on his early admiration for Scorsese, DiCaprio stated, “I grew up watching movies very young — wanting to be an actor. My father brought me to see Marty’s work … and said, ‘If there’s anyone you want to strive to work with in your career, now that you have the capability of doing movies, it’s with this gentleman.’”

DiCaprio and Scorsese first collaborated in 2002 on Gangs of New York and have continued to work together on an impressive six films, including The Aviator, The Departed, and the recently released Killers of the Flower Moon. Their latest film, What Happens at Night, is currently in production, with DiCaprio set to star alongside Jennifer Lawrence in an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel.