Charli XCX Joins Scorsese's Gothic Horror Film 'What Happens at Night'

Martin Scorsese has cast pop musician Charli XCX in a cameo role in his upcoming film "What Happens at Night," according to a report published by Variety on October 23, 2026. The exact nature of her part has not been disclosed.

"What Happens at Night" is described by Variety and Wikipedia as a Gothic psychological horror feature. It follows an American married couple who travel to a small, snowy European town to adopt a baby; both Variety and TheWrap state that the couple's effort to secure the adoption leaves them growing uncertain about themselves.

Who is in the film

The project is led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence, who play the unnamed American couple referred to in production materials as "The Man" and "The Woman," according to Wikipedia. Mads Mikkelsen plays a character called Brother Emmanuel, with Patricia Clarkson and Jared Harris also part of the cast, as reported by Variety and TheWrap. DiCaprio and Lawrence are also credited as producers on the film, according to Wikipedia.

Scorsese directs and produces through his company Sikelia Productions. Production companies also include Appian Way Productions and Excellent Cadaver, according to Wikipedia, with Apple Studios and StudioCanal behind the project and Apple Original Films set to distribute it.

Source material and screenplay

The film is adapted from Peter Cameron's 2020 novel of the same name. Patrick Marber wrote the original screenplay; Wikipedia states that Paul Thomas Anderson later contributed uncredited rewrites.

Principal photography began on February 24, 2026, in the Czech Republic, with additional filming in Switzerland, according to Wikipedia. The production had entered post-production by May 29, 2026. No release date has been set, per Variety's October report.

Why Charli XCX's involvement is notable

Variety's Australian edition noted that Charli XCX featured Scorsese on the cover of her album "Music, Fashion, Film." TheWrap reported that the musician has appeared in four films during 2026, including "The Moment," "I Want Your Sex," "The Gallerist" and "Faces of Death"; Variety separately noted she has appeared in seven films over the past two years.

"What Happens at Night" marks Scorsese's first narrative feature since "Killers of the Flower Moon" (2023), which received ten Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, according to Variety and TheWrap.

According to Wikipedia, DiCaprio has said that Scorsese had him rewatch Alfred Hitchcock's 1958 film "Vertigo" as a reference point for the new film.

What remains unknown

• Charli XCX's specific role or character name has not been revealed.
• No official release date has been announced for the film.
• It is not confirmed whether her cameo was filmed during principal photography or during any later reshoots.