Ridley Scott and Joaquin Phoenix, two cinematic legends, join forces once more after over two decades. Fresh off delivering two films in 2021, “The Last Duel” and “House of Gucci,” Ridley Scott is gearing up for another cinematic masterpiece set to grace the big screen later this year. This time, he’s collaborating with Apple Studios on a historical action epic centered around none other than the renowned French conqueror, Napoleon Bonaparte. While Steven Spielberg is also developing an HBO limited series about Napoleon, Scott’s Film will be hitting theaters much sooner. Here’s a comprehensive look at Ridley Scott‘s “Napoleon.”
When Does ‘Napoleon‘ Come Out?
Mark your calendars for Thanksgiving weekend on November 22, 2023, as “Napoleon” is scheduled to make its grand premiere. It’s worth noting that this release date puts it head-to-head with Disney’s animated fairy-tale “Wish.” Despite initial expectations of a festival debut, the film is making its theatrical entrance without prior festival screenings.
Where Can You Watch ‘Napoleon‘?
Following the footsteps of another significant release from Apple Studios, Martin Scorsese’s “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Napoleon” will have an exclusive wide theatrical release starting on November 22, 2023. The distribution partnership for this theatrical rollout involves Apple and Sony Pictures Entertainment. While eager fans can catch it in theaters, the streaming release on Apple TV+ is yet to be announced. You’ll be able to stream the film on Apple TV+ once it becomes available, and here’s the link to the movie’s landing page for your reference.
WATCH ON APPLE TV+
Is There a Trailer for ‘Napoleon‘?
Sony Pictures and Apple unveiled the first official trailer for “Napoleon” on July 10, 2023. Clocking in at two-and-a-half minutes, the trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse of the historical epic, showcasing its grand-scale battle sequences and providing a sneak peek into the compelling dynamic between the titular emperor and his wife, Joséphine. Since the trailer’s release, a steady stream of promotional images and posters has been released, giving fans more to savor.
Who Stars in ‘Napoleon‘?
The acclaimed Joaquin Phoenix, an Academy Award winner, takes on the role of Napoleon Bonaparte. This marks his first collaboration with Ridley Scott in 23 years, following his memorable performance as Commodus in “Gladiator,” which earned him an Academy Award Nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Phoenix’s illustrious career includes an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2020 for his portrayal of the iconic Joker in Todd Phillips’ film. Additionally, he has received Academy Award nominations for Best Actor for his roles in “Walk the Line” and “The Master.” Phoenix’s recent work includes the absurdist black comedy “Beau Is Afraid,” directed by Ari Aster.
Vanessa Kirby, an Academy Award nominee, steps into the shoes of Empress Joséphine, the wife of Napoleon. Initially, Jodie Comer, Scott’s “The Last Duel” star, was cast in the role but had to bow out due to scheduling conflicts resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Kirby is renowned for her versatile acting career, gaining fame as Princess Margaret in the first two seasons of Netflix’s “The Crown,” earning her an Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series. She effortlessly transitions between prestige projects and major Hollywood blockbusters, leaving her mark in films such as “Mission: Impossible-Fallout” and “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw.” She will reprise her role from “Mission: Impossible-Fallout” in this summer’s “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.” Kirby secured her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role in the drama “Pieces of a Woman.”
Who Is Making ‘Napoleon‘?
As previously mentioned, Ridley Scott is at the helm of “Napoleon,” the latest addition to his illustrious filmmaking career. He joins the league of Hollywood legends collaborating with streaming platforms. Scott’s impressive portfolio boasts numerous hit films and four Academy Award Nominations, including three for Best Director (“Thelma & Louise,” “Gladiator,” and “Black Hawk Down”) and one for Best Picture (“The Martian”). His diverse range is evident in films like “Alien,” “Blade Runner,” “Prometheus,” “Hannibal,” and “American Gangster.” Currently, Scott is filming “Gladiator 2” for Paramount, slated for release on Thanksgiving weekend in 2024.
David Scarpa, the film’s screenwriter, previously worked with Scott on the 2017 film “All the Money in the World.” Scarpa’s writing credits include the screenplay for Scott Derrickson’s 2008 remake of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” and co-writing the 2001 film “The Last Castle.” His most recent work includes writing episodes for the Prime Video series “The Man in the High Castle.” In addition to Scott and Phoenix, producers include Scott Free Productions president Kevin J. Walsh and Mark Huffam (“The Northman”). The film’s executive producers comprise Raymond Kirk (“House of Gucci”), Aidan Elliott (“The Lost City of Z”), and Michael Pruss (“Boston Strangler”). Dariusz Wolski, an Academy Award Nominee, is behind the cinematography, while Emmy-Nominated composer Martin Phipps (“Peaky Blinders”) is crafting the score. Academy Award Winner Claire Simpson (“Platoon”) and Sam Restivo are editing the film. Before finding its home at Apple, “Napoleon” was initially set up at 20th Century Studios, but the partnership dissolved in late 2020, leading the tech giant to take the reins in financing and producing this historical epic.
What Is the Plot of ‘Napoleon‘?
“Napoleon” presents a unique and intimate perspective on Napoleon Bonaparte’s origins and his meteoric rise to power, all viewed through the lens of his intense and often tumultuous relationship with his wife and true love, Josephine. The film captures Napoleon‘s famous battles, his unrelenting ambition, and his remarkable strategic brilliance as a military leader and visionary in the art of war.
It’s important to note that the film was initially titled “Kitbag” but was rebranded as “Napoleon” in January 2022.
When Did ‘Napoleon‘ Film?
The cameras started rolling for “Napoleon” in February 2022, with filming locations spanning across England. Principal photography wrapped up in May 2022.
How Long is ‘Napoleon‘?
“Napoleon” boasts a runtime of 157 minutes and 43 seconds, equivalent to 2 hours, 37 minutes, and 43 seconds. This places it as Ridley Scott‘s second-longest film, tied with “House of Gucci.” Only “American Gangster” exceeds it with a runtime of 2 hours and 56 minutes.
What Will ‘Napoleon‘ Be Rated?
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The MPA has rated “Napoleon” as R due to its strong violence, grisly images, sexual content, and brief language. This aligns with the filmmaker’s trend, as Ridley Scott hasn’t directed a PG-13 rated film since “The Martian” in 2015.
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