Honestly, at 83, most people are looking for the nearest rocking chair and a quiet porch. Not Marty. Martin Scorsese is currently moving at a pace that would leave a 30-year-old indie director gasping for air. We just saw him wrap up an exhausting, globe-trotting press tour for Killers of the Flower Moon, and instead of taking a vacation, he’s basically juggling four different scripts like a cinematic madman.
He’s not just making "movies" anymore. He’s building monuments.
The conversation around Martin Scorsese recent movies usually starts with the heavy hitters like The Irishman or his recent Osage Nation epic, but if you look at his 2026 slate, things are getting weird. In a good way. He’s moving away from the sprawling, three-and-a-half-hour crime sagas and leaning into something more surreal, more spiritual, and—believe it or not—shorter.
What’s Actually Happening with "What Happens at Night"?
Forget the mobsters for a second. Scorsese is reuniting with Leonardo DiCaprio for the seventh time, but they aren't heading to Vegas or 1920s Oklahoma. They’re headed to a snowy, fever-dream version of Europe.
Reports coming out of early 2026 confirm that What Happens at Night is officially his next big move. It’s an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s 2023 novel, and it sounds like a complete departure from his usual beat. The plot follows an American couple—played by DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence—who travel to a remote European town to adopt a baby. They check into a massive, nearly empty hotel, and things go sideways fast.
Think Shutter Island meets a ghost story.
You’ve got a flamboyant singer, a faith healer, and a depraved businessman all wandering the halls. It’s supposed to be a psychological thriller that feels more like a dream than a traditional narrative. Shooting is reportedly kicking off in February 2026. This isn't just another entry in the Martin Scorsese recent movies catalog; it’s a pivot into the abstract.
The Jesus Movie and the Sinatra Problem
You might have heard about the 80-minute Jesus film. Or the Frank Sinatra biopic with DiCaprio and Lawrence. Well, don't hold your breath just yet.
Both projects hit a massive speed bump in late 2024 and 2025. The Jesus project, based on Shūsaku Endō’s A Life of Jesus, was supposed to be this experimental, present-day exploration of faith. Scorsese even met with Pope Francis to talk about it. But logistics and the director's own "swimming in inspiration" (his words) led to an indefinite postponement.
Then there's the Sinatra biopic. That one is a mess.
Tina Sinatra, Frank’s daughter, still hasn't given the green light. Why? Because Marty wants to show the grit. He wants the mob ties, the alcoholism, and the messy marriage to Ava Gardner. The estate, understandably, wants a highlight reel. Until they see eye-to-eye, that project is sitting on a shelf gathering dust while Marty focuses on his snow-covered hotel mystery.
Why "Killers of the Flower Moon" Changed Everything
To understand where he's going, you have to look at where he just was. Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) was a massive risk. It cost Apple $200 million and ran for 206 minutes. While it didn't set the box office on fire—grossing about $159 million worldwide—it was a critical juggernaut.
It shifted the way we talk about Scorsese. It wasn't just a "director" making a movie; it was an act of cultural anthropology. He worked closely with the Osage Nation, changed the script to focus on the victims rather than the FBI "heroes," and gave Lily Gladstone the platform to become an icon.
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It was heavy. It was long. It was brutal.
Maybe that's why his new stuff feels so different. He seems done with the "Great American History" lessons for a while. He’s looking for something tighter. Something more internal.
The Status of "The Wager"
Everyone keeps asking about The Wager. It’s another David Grann adaptation (the guy who wrote Killers of the Flower Moon). It’s a 1700s shipwreck story involving mutiny, anarchy, and a group of sailors who wash up in Brazil only to be accused of being murderers.
DiCaprio is attached. Apple is paying for it. But it’s been pushed down the priority list.
Word is, the shoot for The Wager is going to be a nightmare. We’re talking open-sea filming, which is notorious for breaking directors. Marty has hinted that he might even co-direct this one because of the physical toll. It’s still in development, but What Happens at Night has definitely cut in line.
What to Watch Next: Actionable Steps for Fans
If you’re trying to keep up with the legend, don't just wait for the next theatrical trailer. Scorsese is everywhere right now.
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- Check out "Martin Scorsese Presents: The Saints": This is an eight-part docuseries he hosted for Fox Nation. It’s the perfect bridge if you’re interested in his spiritual side but don't want to wait for the Jesus movie.
- Revisit "Silence" (2016): If you want a preview of the tone he’s chasing with his future religious projects, this is the blueprint. It’s his most personal work.
- Track the "What Happens at Night" Production: Filming is slated for early 2026. Keep an eye on trade publications like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter for casting updates regarding Mads Mikkelsen, who is rumored to be joining the hotel ensemble.
- Watch "Die My Love": This is Jennifer Lawrence’s latest psychological drama (directed by Lynne Ramsay). Scorsese reportedly watched this and it influenced his decision to cast her in his next project.
Scorsese isn't slowing down; he's just changing the shape of the race. He knows time is a factor, and he’s picking projects that challenge him instead of just repeating the "Goodfellas" formula that everyone expects. Whether it's a ghost story in a snowy hotel or a trial on the high seas, the next few years of his career look more unpredictable than ever.