Yes, Apple is producing a Martin Scorsese film starring both Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, but it is not a single film—it is two separate projects. The first, Killers of the Flower Moon, was released in 2023 and stars both actors. The second, The Wager, is in development and will also feature both actors. This article explains what each project is, how Apple fits into the production, and what you need to know about these high-profile collaborations.
Background: Scorsese, De Niro, and DiCaprio
Martin Scorsese has a long history with both actors. Robert De Niro starred in eight of Scorsese’s films, starting with Mean Streets (1973) and including Taxi Driver, Raging Bull, and Goodfellas. Leonardo DiCaprio has starred in six Scorsese films, beginning with Gangs of New York (2002) and including The Aviator, The Departed, and The Wolf of Wall Street. Until Killers of the Flower Moon, the two actors had never appeared together in a Scorsese film.
Killers of the Flower Moon: The 2023 Film
This is the film that first brought all three together. It is a historical crime drama based on the 2017 non-fiction book by David Grann, which details the murders of wealthy Osage Nation members in 1920s Oklahoma after oil was discovered on their land. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Ernest Burkhart, Robert De Niro as William Hale, and Lily Gladstone as Mollie Burkhart. It was released in theaters in October 2023 and later streamed on Apple TV+. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
The Wager: The Upcoming Project
Apple is also backing Scorsese’s next film, The Wager, which is based on another David Grann book, The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny and Murder. The book recounts the 1740s wreck of the British warship HMS Wager and the subsequent mutiny and survival story. Both DiCaprio and De Niro are attached to star, though their specific roles have not been officially announced. The film is in pre-production, with no release date set. This will be the second time Scorsese directs both actors together.
How Apple Fits In: Streaming vs. Theatrical
Apple’s role is as a production company and distributor. Apple Studios finances the films, which means it pays for production costs in exchange for distribution rights. The films receive a theatrical release first, then become available on the Apple TV+ streaming service. This model allows Scorsese to secure large budgets for period dramas that traditional studios might consider risky. For example, Killers of the Flower Moon had a reported budget of around $200 million, a figure that a streaming service could justify based on subscriber growth and awards prestige.
What to Expect from the Films
Both films are based on true stories with dark, morally complex themes—a signature of Scorsese’s work. Killers of the Flower Moon is a three-and-a-half-hour epic that focuses on systemic injustice and complicity. The Wager is expected to be a survival drama with elements of mutiny and betrayal, similar in tone to The Revenant (which DiCaprio starred in). Expect meticulous period detail, long runtime, and powerhouse performances from the two leads.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
One common misconception is that The Wager is a sequel or continuation of Killers of the Flower Moon. It is not—it is a completely separate story. Another question is whether the films are exclusive to Apple TV+ immediately. They are not; they get a theatrical window first, typically 45–60 days, before streaming. Some viewers wonder if they need an Apple device to watch. No—Apple TV+ is available on most smart TVs, game consoles, and web browsers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Killers of the Flower Moon available on Netflix?
No. The film is produced and distributed by Apple, so it streams exclusively on Apple TV+ after its theatrical run. It is not on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or other services.
Will The Wager be in theaters?
Yes, Apple has committed to theatrical releases for its major films. The Wager will likely follow the same pattern as Killers of the Flower Moon: a limited or wide theatrical release first, then streaming on Apple TV+.
Are De Niro and DiCaprio in every scene together?
No. In Killers of the Flower Moon, they share several scenes, but DiCaprio’s character is more prominent. Their screen time together is significant but not constant. Expect similar dynamics in The Wager.
Why did Apple choose to fund these films?
Apple is using high-profile directors and stars to attract subscribers to Apple TV+. By funding prestige films like Scorsese’s, Apple competes with other streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon for awards recognition and subscriber growth.
When will The Wager be released?
No official release date has been announced. Pre-production is ongoing, and a release is likely at least two years away, possibly 2026 or later.
Are there any other Scorsese films with both actors?
Only these two. Before Killers of the Flower Moon, Scorsese never directed De Niro and DiCaprio together. The Wager will be the second time.
Related
Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.
More cards in this drawer
- Mac Start Up Automatically After Power Failure?
- Expose Self-Hosted Service Securely Without Cloudflare Tunnel
- Nano Delivery for Functional Foods: What It Can and Can’t Do4.00
- Disable Apple Watch Turn-by-Turn Vibration While Driving
- Phishing Detector 96.70% Accuracy: What It Means
- Protect Women Athletes’ Privacy on Social Media