DiCaprio rules out directing, calls collaboration with Scorsese ‘life’s greatest learning experience’

Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio has said he has no plans to pursue film direction, explaining that he could never match the cinematic brilliance of legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese .

DiCaprio made the remarks during a conversation with Scorsese at the A Year in TIME event in New York City, an annual gathering hosted by TIME magazine where influential figures reflect on the year and share insights about their work. The two discussed their long professional collaboration and creative process, with DiCaprio calling his work with Scorsese one of the most profound learning experiences of his career.

The Oscar-winning actor said he is often asked whether he wants to direct but firmly ruled it out, stating he would never attempt something Scorsese executes so exceptionally well. While reflecting on his career, DiCaprio admitted that he sometimes wished he had taken a step back on earlier projects to observe the filmmaking process more closely. He said that while his focus has always been on getting into the depths of the characters he plays, he would have loved to watch Scorsese work behind the camera as a silent observer.

DiCaprio also pointed out that he has never done a comic book film nor starred in a sequel. Key films include Shutter Island and The Wolf of Wall Street , which showcase his preference for intense, character-driven stories over franchise or superhero films. Instead, he has spent his career collaborating with visionary directors such as Martin Scorsese, Christopher Nolan ( Inception ), Quentin Tarantino ( Django Unchained ), James Cameron ( Titanic ), and now Paul Thomas Anderson ( Boogie Nights ).

He described his collaboration with Scorsese as distinctive, involving months of preparation, debate, and exploring approaches long before filming begins. DiCaprio said the same process is being followed on their new film currently in production, calling it one of the most significant learning experiences of his life. Recalling his early exposure to Scorsese’s work, he said his father took him to watch the filmmaker’s films along with Robert De Niro’s, encouraging him to aspire to work with Scorsese when he had the opportunity.

DiCaprio and Scorsese first collaborated on Gangs of New York in 2002 and have since delivered critically acclaimed films including The Aviator , Shutter Island , The Wolf of Wall Street , The Departed , and Killers of the Flower Moon . Their seventh collaboration, What Happens at Night , is currently in production. The film, a psychological thriller with gothic and eerie elements, is an adaptation of Peter Cameron’s novel and follows an American couple in a remote European hotel where reality, identity, and emotional truths blur. DiCaprio is set to star alongside Jennifer Lawrence in the film.