Leonardo DiCaprio Admits He Won’t Direct a Film While Scorsese Is Such a Master

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Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in over 50 movies in the last three decades, leading many to wonder if he’d ever consider directing. However, the acclaimed actor – known for films like Titanic, Inception, and Catch Me If You Can – doesn’t see himself taking on that role. He explains that he greatly admires director Martin Scorsese and believes he could never achieve the same level of artistry, so he doesn’t feel it would be worthwhile to try.

According to Variety, Leonardo DiCaprio was named TIME’s Entertainer of the Year for 2025. During a conversation with frequent director Martin Scorsese at the event, the 51-year-old actor and producer explained why he has never pursued directing a film himself.

I’ve gotten the question a few times now – would I ever want to move into directing? Honestly, the thought doesn’t appeal to me at all. I have so much respect for directors like Martin Scorsese – he’s a master – and I just don’t think I could ever reach that level. There’s really no point in even trying.

Leonardo DiCaprio acknowledges his long collaboration with Martin Scorsese, but admits he hasn’t actively tried to learn directing or filmmaking techniques from Scorsese or other renowned directors he’s worked with, such as Steven Spielberg, Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Ridley Scott. He’s chosen to concentrate on developing his skills as an actor. Here’s what DiCaprio told Scorsese:

I’ve been so caught up in my work as an actor – making choices, becoming these characters, and really trying to understand them. But I’ve always wished I could have spent more time observing what happens behind the scenes, watching the creative process unfold.

What’s Next for the DiCaprio–Scorsese Powerhouse Duo?


Warner Bros. Pictures

Leonardo DiCaprio and Martin Scorsese have collaborated on six films so far: Gangs of New York, The Aviator, The Departed, Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Killers of the Flower Moon, with another one currently being made. Their creative partnership is rare in film history. They’re teaming up again with Apple Original Films – the studio behind Killers of the Flower Moon – for a new movie called What Happens at Night. It’s based on a novel by Peter Cameron about a couple traveling to Europe to adopt a baby, but they discover something unsettling in the strange town where they’re staying, which is also home to other peculiar people.

The project will feature Academy Award winner Jennifer Lawrence and is scheduled to start filming next February. Leonardo DiCaprio described their upcoming project—which ventures into the horror genre—as “an interesting one.” He also stated:

What I appreciate about how we work together is our ability to really challenge each other – to discuss and debate ideas for months, asking lots of questions and considering all angles, even those that aren’t immediately apparent. We’re doing that with the new film right now, and it’s been an incredibly valuable learning experience.

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2025-12-17 05:03