Leonardo DiCaprio Movie 'Killers of the Flower Moon': Everything We Know So Far

Killers of the Flower Moon is a crime drama that is directed by Martin Scorsese. It is based on the 2017 non-fiction book by the same name, written by David Grann. The full title of the book reads Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI. The book was based on the investigations that ensued after a series of murders of wealthy Osage people that took place in Osage County, Oklahoma, in the early 1920s. The book also details how the newly formed FBI undertook this case and convicted the perpetrator of the crimes.

"We are thrilled to finally start production on Killers of the Flower Moon in Oklahoma," Scorsese said in a statement. "To be able to tell this story on the land where these events took place is incredibly important and critical to allowing us to portray an accurate depiction of the time and people. … We're excited to start working with our local cast and crew to bring this story to life on screen and immortalize a time in American history that should not be forgotten."

Here are some fast facts about the film that is slated for release in 2022.

1. The Osage Nation

To maintain the historical and cultural accuracy of the events and the Native American tribe, Scorsese, as well as the actors, made sure to consult Osage Nation consultants and cultural advisers. "The Osage, I always say they know their history intimately," Grann stated as well. "They know this part of their history; they know what happened. But there were far too many of us who didn't." 

Leonardo DiCaprio plays Ernest Burkhart, and Lily Gladstone plays Mollie Burkhart, the Osage whose family was targeted. DiCaprio met with the members and leaders of the Osage Nation before production began to ensure accuracy. Osage News even recalled the meeting and said in a press release that "several members of the community spoke, sharing their concerns, stories, and thoughts with the film team. DiCaprio asked several questions, which sparked a thoughtful conversation that will inform the script and his character."

2. Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert DeNiro

Scorsese has had a long-standing relationship with the two Oscar-winning actors. This film marks the tenth collaboration between Scorsese and De Niro and the sixth between Scorsese and DiCaprio. Scorsese's two muses are coming together in his film project for the first time. De Niro stars as William Hale, the rancher who becomes the lead suspect in the FBI's investigation into the Osage murders.

And apart from working in the movie, the stars also set out to do good in the world. "If you've ever wondered what it was like to be able to work with the great Martin Scorsese, this is your chance," DiCaprio said on social media. De Niro added, "Our most vulnerable communities need our support now more than ever." DiCaprio launched America's Food Fund during the pandemic and encouraged people to donate, offering them a walk-on role in the Killers of the Flower Moon. The winner would also be able to spend time on the set of the film and attend the premiere as well. 

3. Brendan Fraser was a last-minute addition

Fraser was announced to be joining the high-profile movie as W.S. Hamilton, an attorney, as per DEADLINE. The announcement of his role came in August, by which time the production of the film was well underway. It seems to be that Fraser, who has been making a comeback and stepping back into the limelight this year, was a last-minute addition to the film. John Lithgow was also announced to be joining as Prosecutor Leaward at the same time.

4. The film is one of the most expensive adult dramas

The $200 million budget of the film makes Killers of the Flower Moon one of the most expensive adult dramas in recent history, as per WSJ. In 2019, it was announced that the film would be distributed by Paramount Pictures. The budget for the film was concerning for Paramount. Scorsese then courted Netflix and Apple TV+ to rescue his ambitious film project. Paramount was looking for a partner to share the burden of the cost with. Scorsese had also approached Comcast Corp's Universal Studios and MGM Holdings Inc before Apple TV+ came to the rescue.

5.  The screenplay took nearly half a decade

The film's screenplay was written by Eric Roth, who also wrote the Oscar-award-winning screenplay for Forrest Gump. He has also written The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, A Star Is Born, and Dune. and it took him a really long time to finish writing it. "I think this is my fifth year or sixth year on it," he told Collider. "And there were some changes that came about that were interesting about what Leonardo was going to play in it. I think in the long run — we all had our moments of trying to figure out how best to portray things because the story is so impactful — and I think we ended up with exactly the right material and that Marty made the right decisions. I just think he's going to make — and obviously, I would say this — but I think [of] all my work, this one could be one of the great movies. I really mean that. I think it has all the ingredients, which I don't want to jinx it, but the story is so important."