'She is not a good actor.' That was one Reddit user's blunt reaction to reports that Charli XCX will appear in Martin Scorsese's upcoming film What Happens at Night, as the British pop star's latest Hollywood casting prompted mixed reactions among film enthusiasts.
Variety reported on 22 October 2026 that Charli had joined Scorsese's forthcoming production, citing sources familiar with the project. The 34-year-old singer is reportedly making a cameo in the Gothic psychological horror film alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence.
Although details of her character remain undisclosed, the announcement prompted discussion on Reddit, where some users expressed reservations about her previous acting performances. While some social media users questioned her acting abilities, others defended the casting, arguing that criticism of a brief appearance was unnecessary.
Charli XCX's Martin Scorsese Cameo Sparks Mixed Reactions
In the r/criterion community, user u/conorjude wrote, 'She is not a good actor.' Another commenter expressed similar doubts, writing, 'Same, great popstar but she cannot act.' The user said they had watched three of Charli's films, singling out her performance in Erupcja as particularly disappointing.
Charli xcx Joins Martin Scorsese’s ‘What Happens at Night’ With Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence
by u/57829 in criterion
Similar criticism appeared in the r/movies community, where one commenter wrote, 'Her acting doesn't do it for me.' Another acknowledged enjoying her music but questioned whether her acting performances had demonstrated the same level of talent.
However, other Reddit users disagreed. User u/AccomplishedShop8338 responded, 'Y'all complaining are overreacting, it's a cameo.' Another commenter pointed to Scorsese's history of casting musicians in smaller film roles, including Gwen Stefani in The Aviator and Jack White in Killers of the Flower Moon. The exchanges reflected differing opinions among individual Reddit users rather than an organised campaign against the singer.
Charli XCX Builds Hollywood Career Beyond Music
Charli's reported casting comes as she continues expanding her acting career following the international success of her 2024 album Brat. Her recent film projects include The Moment, I Want Your Sex, The Gallerist and Faces of Death.
In The Moment, directed by her frequent collaborator Aidan Zamiri, she portrays a fictionalised version of herself in a mockumentary examining celebrity culture and the commercial pressures surrounding her Brat era. Her growing involvement in cinema has drawn attention from fans who primarily know her as a musician.
However, the Scorsese project represents a different opportunity, placing her in a production featuring several established Hollywood actors. The filmmaker has previously worked with musicians in supporting and cameo appearances, suggesting that Charli's involvement is not necessarily an unusual casting decision.
Charli and Scorsese also share an existing creative connection. The director appeared alongside musician John Cale and fashion designer Marc Jacobs on the cover of her 2026 album Music, Fashion, Film. Her reported appearance in What Happens at Night extends that association from music-related artwork to a film production.
What Is Martin Scorsese's 'What Happens at Night' About?
What Happens at Night follows a married American couple travelling to a small, snow-covered European town to adopt a baby. As their journey unfolds, the couple encounter unsettling circumstances that challenge their understanding of themselves and their surroundings. The film is adapted from Peter Cameron's 2020 novel of the same name and features a screenplay by Patrick Marber. Alongside DiCaprio and Lawrence, the cast includes Mads Mikkelsen, Patricia Clarkson, Jared Harris and Welker White.
Apple Original Films announced on 19 March 2026 that principal photography had begun in the Czech Republic. The production marks another collaboration between Scorsese and DiCaprio following Killers of the Flower Moon, which received 10 Academy Award nominations. Despite the differing online reactions, Charli's character remains undisclosed, and her reported involvement is limited to a cameo.
No official release date has been announced for What Happens at Night.
