2 Attachment(s)
Ridley Scott & Joaquin Phoenix's Epic Napoleon Revealed In Battle-Ready Image
Ridley Scott's upcoming biographical movie, Napoleon, has been revealed in an action-packed first look image. Beginning his career with the critically-acclaimed historical drama The Duellists, the legendary director has cultivated a long list of historical epics, including 1492: Conquest of Paradise, Gladiator, and Kingdom of Heaven. Following Napoleon, Scott will helm the long-awaited sequel to Gladiator, with Paul Mescal starring as an older Lucius.
A first look image from Scott's Napoleon has now been revealed (via Deadline). Suited up as the titular emperor, the image sees Joaquin Phoenix lead his men in a fierce charge on the battlefield.
Napoleon is set to premiere in theaters around the world on November 22. The historical epic will then stream on Apple TV+ after it completes its theatrical run.
Everything We Know About Napoleon
Originally titled Kitbag, Scott's Napoleon biopic will follow the French military commander and political leader as he rises to power through the French Revolution to become the Emperor of France. The film will be framed through his relationship with Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon's first wife and the first Empress of France. Vanessa Kirby, star of Pieces of a Woman and the upcoming Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, will portray Joséphine. Rounding out the cast is The Mauritanian star Tahar Rahim as Paul Barras, The Crown's Ben Miles as Caulaincourt, and Swimming Pool's Ludivine Sagnier as Theresa Cabarrus.
Although an exact timeline for Napoleon has yet to be revealed, Scott will likely cover the breadth of Joséphine and Napoleon's courtship and marriage, lasting from 1795 to 1810. Once Barras' mistress, Joséphine met Napoleon through political connections and married him the following year. Their partnership proved complicated, with Napoleon away much of the time fighting in battles, both parties engaging in romantic affairs, and complications of power arising once the general became Emperor of France.
Scott has praised Phoenix's performance as Napoleon, citing him as the reason behind major positive revisions to upcoming film. The director previously explained that Phoenix is a unique actor who constantly questioned the production. To help Phoenix channel the role, Scott had significant portions of the story and character rewritten. With Napoleon set to hit theaters in November, and Apple TV+ sometime shortly after, more will be revealed in the coming months.
