Although not much is known about Ridley Scott’s new film Napoleon (which was called Kitbag until a few months ago), it is already a big favorite for the Oscars in March 2024. This is also due to protagonist Joaquin Phoenix, who is known as already shot with Scott for 2000’s “Gladiator” and was rewarded with an Oscar nomination for his role as Emperor Commodus. He only got the golden boy (after further nominations) in 2020 with his portrayal of the Joker, but the further collaboration with Scott is of course still very exciting and promising.
Just like the first pictures of the Apple production! Already in April we were allowed to admire Phoenix on horseback as soldier Napoleon. In the photo, he galloped across a field into a group of other warriors. In the last picture, the general is standing on a ship and looking into the distance – maybe he is on his way to conquer all of Europe?
We won’t know exactly where Napoleon is sailing to until November 23, 2023. Then Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” starts in the cinemas.
That’s what “Napoleon” is about
Even if Ridley Scott has not yet revealed any details about the content, it is of course foreseeable what the historical epic “Napoleon” could look like. That the steep career of Napoleon Bonaparte and his rise from army commander to emperor of France is central, is already clear. But even though Bonaparte’s life was mainly marked by countless battles and victories, he also had a private life. And Joséphine de Beauharnais played the leading role in it.
In the film, de Beauharnais is played by Vanessa Kirby, best known for the series The Crown and the film Mission: Impossible – Fallout. In 1796, de Beauharnais married Napoleon, who was not only deeply in love with her, but also benefited politically from her numerous contacts. But the relationship was anything but harmonious and uncomplicated – so the cinematic interpretation of it should be quite exciting.
Before “Napoleon” comes to the Apple TV+ streaming service, the historic film will be in cinemas from November 23, 2023 – otherwise it would not have had a chance to be considered for the Oscars. Incidentally, “Gladiator 2” by Ridley Scott will also follow in 2024 – this time, however, without Phoenix as Commodus.