Following the massive success of Grann's book, director Martin Scorsese purchased the film adaptation rights and began pre-production. Actor Leonardo DiCaprio was also attached to star in the film. Scorsese co-wrote the adaptation with screenwriter Eric Roth. The film was funded and distributed by Apple TV+ in connection with Paramount Pictures. While initially slated to begin filming in 2018, the production was delayed by scheduling conflicts and the COVID-19 pandemic. DiCaprio was first cast as Tom White, but asked to take on the role of Ernest Burkhart instead. Jesse Plemmons was cast as White, while Lily Gladstone and Robert DeNiro were cast as Mollie Burkhart and William Hale, respectively. Guitarist Robbie Robertson composed the film's soundtrack.
Filming began in February of 2021 and wrapped in October of the same year. It occurred in Osage and Washington counties. Scorsese worked closely with many members of the Osage Nation to make sure that the film accurately reflected their culture and community. Many Osage individuals served as consultants on the film. Ultimately this significantly impacted the production, as Scorsese sought to bring authenticity and perspective to the film. Gladstone, who is of Blackfeet and Nimíipuu descent, said in an interview with Variety that "The work is better when you let the world inform the work." She said it "was very refreshing how involved the production got with the [Osage Nation] community. As the community warmed up to our presence, the more the community got involved with the film. It’s a different movie than the one [Scorsese] walked in to make almost entirely because of what the community had to say about how it was being made and what was being portrayed.” Members of the Osage Nation have also commented that they felt the movie represented their history faithfully and thoughtfully. Jim Gray, former Osage chief, and great-grandson of Henry Roan, served as a consultant. He commented in a post on Twitter that "The dignity and care for the Osage perspective was genuine and honest throughout the process and the Osage responded with the kind of passion and enthusiasm that met this historic moment."
The film premiered at the 76th Cannes Film Festival and was given a nine-minute standing ovation. It has gone on to receive a strongly positive critical reception. The film has been praised for strong performances from Gladstone and DiCaprio and historical accuracy. Like Scorsese's previous films, such as Casino and The Irishman, Killers of the Flower Moon is also being recognized for its sprawling scope. In a review for the Hollywood Reporter, critic David Rooney writes, "The three-and-a-half-hour running time is fully justified in an escalating tragedy that never loosens its grip — a sordid illustration of historical erasure with echoes in today’s bitterly divisive political gamesmanship." The film is scheduled for a limited release on October 6th, 2023, followed by a wide release on October 20th of the same year.
