Filming for Martin Scorsese’s What Happens at Night has officially wrapped in the Czech Republic following a multi-week shoot across Prague and several regional locations. According to local reports and industry sources, production concluded in early April after a 35-day shoot in the country, marking a relatively short but intensive schedule for the Oscar-winning director. The cast and crew have since moved to New York City, where interior scenes will be completed.
Leonardo DiCaprio, who leads the film alongside Jennifer Lawrence, was in Czechia for much of the production period, returning to set shortly after attending the Academy Awards in Los Angeles in March. During his stay, filming took place on location in areas including Úštěk, Ratboř, and the town of Žatec, where large-scale winter sequences were staged.
Before heading back to the states, DiCaprio was spotted at several tourist-friendly locations in and around Prague over Easter weekend, including the historic Karlštejn Castle.
The Czech leg for What Happens at Night lasted approximately 35 days, significantly shorter than Scorsese’s recent productions, which have typically spanned several months. While brief by comparison, the shoot involved extensive set design and location work, including artificial snow effects, nighttime filming, and complex outdoor sequences.
Žatec shoot highlights large-scale sequences
In its final weeks, production on What Happens at Night was centered in Žatec, where filming continued through late March, including confirmed activity on March 25. The town’s historic center and infrastructure were transformed into a snow-covered European setting, with scenes shot on the iron bridge over the Ohře River and in key public spaces such as Husitské náměstí and Hošťálkovo náměstí.
The production staged elaborate sequences featuring overturned vehicles, scattered logs, ambulances, and artificial snowstorms, underscoring the film’s dramatic tone. A temporary wooden ferry was also constructed on the river for a key scene involving the film’s central character. Streets were closed to traffic, and production crews established base areas nearby, reflecting the scale and logistical demands of the shoot.
Žatec’s selection builds on its reputation as a versatile filming location, capable of doubling for various European settings. Combined with earlier filming in Prague and other Czech towns, the project highlights the country’s continued appeal to major international productions, offering a mix of historic architecture, experienced crews, and production infrastructure.
DiCaprio takes in Czech culture during shoot
Outside of filming, DiCaprio made several low-profile appearances during his stay in Prague. He attended a performance at the Estates Theatre, where a performance of Valerie and Her Week of Wonders was staged, drawing attention from the National Theatre, which acknowledged his visit publicly. A fan of Miloš Forman‘s Amadeus, he previously had a private tour of the location, where the Oscar-winning feature was famously filmed.
During the Easter holiday weekend, the actor was also reported to have taken a private trip to Karlštejn Castle, one of Czechia’s most prominent historic landmarks. Accompanied by a small group, he toured the site discreetly, adding to a series of off-set sightings that generated interest among local observers.
Dicaprio was also spotted in Prague’s Výtoň area, where he visited the famed pub Hostinec na Výtoni, well-known among both locals and tourists for its roast duck. Despite public curiosity, the production maintained strict security throughout, with cast members transported between locations by car and minimal opportunities for direct interaction with fans.
Post-production phase for What Happens at Night
What Happens at Night is based on the novel by Peter Cameron and adapted for the screen by Patrick Marber. The story follows an American couple traveling to a remote, snowbound European town to adopt a child, only to encounter mysterious figures and increasingly surreal circumstances that challenge their relationship and perception of reality.
The film brings together a high-profile cast that includes Mads Mikkelsen, Patricia Clarkson, Jared Harris, and Welker White alongside DiCaprio and Lawrence. It is produced by Apple Original Films, continuing Scorsese’s ongoing collaboration with the company.
Following the Czech shoot, production has now shifted to New York for interior scenes. While the relatively short shoot has raised questions about the film’s timeline, Scorsese is known for lengthy post-production processes, often extending well over a year. Industry speculation suggests a potential release window in 2027, though no official date has been announced.
With filming in Czechia now complete, What Happens at Night joins a growing list of major international projects that have utilized the country’s locations in recent years, reinforcing its status as a key hub for global filmmaking.
Lead photo: Leonardo DiCaprio in What Happens at Night (2027) / Karlštejn Castle courtesy DepositPhotos.com. Montage: The Prague Reporter
