Leonardo DiCaprio Shares How He and Martin Scorsese Spend Months Discussing Movie Ideas

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio at the 2025 A Year In TIME Event.
Credit :

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Key Takeaways

• Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese shared insights at Time‘s "A Year in Time" event in New York City on December 10.
• DiCaprio revealed that they often "debate for months" before finalizing their film approach.
• Scorsese emphasized their collaboration is built on "trust and love."

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese illuminated their artistic process during Time‘s recent event, "A Year in Time," held in New York City. The duo engaged in a reflective discussion, celebrating DiCaprio’s recognition as Time‘s 2025 Entertainer of the Year.

With a celebrated partnership, DiCaprio, 51, and Scorsese, 83, have collaborated on six films and one short film since their first project together, Gangs of New York in 2002. Their latest work, Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), stands as a testament to their enduring creative synergy. Currently, they are working on a new film, What Happens at Night, featuring DiCaprio alongside Jennifer Lawrence.

Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio speak onstage during the "A Year in Time" event in New York City on December 10.

Kevin Mazur/Getty

Their creative bond, they conveyed, has deepened over the years, characterized by a collaborative exploration of ideas. DiCaprio highlighted their method of "debating for months" over scripts and narratives, which he considers a vital part of their "cinema education."

Scorsese, known for his meticulous approach, described how he begins his process in isolation, assembling shots while immersing himself in the screenplay. He acknowledged that their collaboration transcends their 32-year age gap, brought together by mutual respect and an ability to innovate.

"We have this ability to collaborate together, and it’s based on trust and love," Scorsese remarked, emphasizing the emotional depth of their partnership. DiCaprio recounted how Scorsese’s early support influenced his career, reinforcing the importance of mentorship in the film industry.

The pair reflect on a transformative moment during their work on The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), where DiCaprio encouraged Scorsese to take on the project. The film exemplified their creative freedom, marking a significant evolution in their collaborative dynamic.

Leonardo DiCaprio in 2013 film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street,’ directed by Scorsese.
Mary Cybulski/Paramount Pictures

Describing their working relationship, DiCaprio expressed a clear boundary regarding directing, stating he has no desire to step behind the camera. "I could never do anything close to what Martin Scorsese does," he affirmed. However, he expressed a desire to learn more about the directing process.

The duo’s next film, What Happens at Night, is slated to commence filming in February, continuing their legacy of powerful storytelling.