Apple TV+ is poised to add a significant title to its growing portfolio of original films. According to a recent report, the streaming service is in advanced negotiations to finance and produce What Happens at Night, a new film directed by Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence.
The film is an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel What Happens at Night, which follows an American couple traveling to a remote European town to adopt a child. Upon arrival, they check into a vast, nearly deserted hotel and encounter a series of enigmatic characters, including a flamboyant singer, a corrupt businessman, and a charismatic faith healer. As the couple’s journey unfolds, they confront unsettling truths about themselves and their relationship.
This project marks a reunion for Scorsese and DiCaprio, who have previously collaborated on several acclaimed films. The addition of Jennifer Lawrence adds further star power to the production. Apple’s involvement aligns with its existing partnerships, as the company holds first-look deals with both Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions and DiCaprio’s Appian Way.
Production is slated to begin in January 2026, suggesting a potential theatrical release in the fall of 2027, followed by its debut on Apple TV+. This timeline positions the film as a strong contender for awards season consideration.
Apple TV+ has been steadily building its reputation in the film industry. Recent successes include F1: The Movie, which grossed $55.6 million domestically and $144 million globally during its opening weekend, marking Apple’s most significant theatrical debut to date. The film, starring Brad Pitt and directed by Joseph Kosinski, has been praised for its high-octane racing sequences and compelling storytelling.
Another notable addition to Apple TV+’s lineup is The Lost Bus, a survival drama directed by Paul Greengrass and starring Matthew McConaughey. The film is based on the true events of the 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise, California, and follows a school bus driver’s harrowing mission to save 22 students from the rapidly spreading wildfire. The Lost Bus premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 5, 2025, and is set for a limited theatrical release on September 19, 2025, before streaming on Apple TV+ on October 3, 2025.
Apple TV+ has also ventured into the action-thriller genre with The Gorge, directed by Scott Derrickson and starring Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy. The film follows two elite operatives stationed on opposite sides of a gorge, tasked with guarding against a secret threat. Released on February 14, 2025, The Gorge has been praised for its suspenseful narrative and the chemistry between its leads.
In the realm of romantic dramas, Apple TV+ released All of You on September 26, 2025. Directed by William Bridges and starring Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots, the film explores the complexities of friendship and unspoken feelings, set against the backdrop of a society where individuals can take a test to find their soulmate.
Looking ahead, Apple TV+ has several promising projects in the pipeline. Matchbox, an action-adventure comedy directed by Sam Hargrave and starring John Cena and Jessica Biel, is set for release in 2026. The film is based on the popular Matchbox toy brand and promises a thrilling ride for audiences.
Another anticipated release is The Instigators, a heist comedy directed by Doug Liman and starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. The film follows two thieves who, after a botched robbery, find themselves on the run from both the law and the criminal underworld. Released on August 9, 2024, The Instigators received mixed reviews but showcased Apple’s commitment to diverse storytelling.
Apple TV+ has also ventured into the realm of television series with The Studio, a comedy series starring Seth Rogen as a fictional Hollywood studio head. The series premiered at the SXSW Film and Television Festival on March 7, 2025, and debuted on Apple TV+ on March 26, 2025. The show has been praised for its satirical take on the entertainment industry and Rogen’s comedic performance.
The acquisition of What Happens at Night signifies Apple’s continued investment in high-profile projects and collaborations with esteemed filmmakers and actors. As Apple TV+ expands its library, it solidifies its position as a formidable player in the competitive streaming landscape.
