Apple TV+ has set the date for the theatrical release ofJoaquin Phoenix’s historical epicNapoleon,Varietyhas reported. The movie will hit theatres in November, later this year, just in time for awards season, before being made available globally on the streaming service. The movie helmed by renowned directorRidley Scottwill see Phoenix as the French emperor and military leader, and marks the second collaboration between the director and actor after the 2000 epicGladiator.
Along with the release date, the makers also unveiled the first look at Phoenix in the movie. In the new image, he’s seen on a horseback with his men charging into battle. Along with taking a look at various wars fought by the historical figure, the movie will also take a look at his volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine, played byactorVanessa Kirby.
What to Expect fromNapoleon
InGladiator,Ridley and Phoenix’s partnership garnered much praise for the duo as well as the actor’s first Oscar nomination. As forNapoleon,themovie was initially titledKitbagand like the title, the actor and director retooled the script for better performance. Scottpreviously explainedthe process, saying, “Joaquin is about as far from conventional as you can get. Not deliberately, but out of intuition. That’s what makes him tick. If something bothers him, he’ll let you know.” He further noted Phoenix’s contribution by revealing,
“He made [Napoleon] special by constantly questioning. With Joaquin, we can rewrite the goddamn film because he’s uncomfortable. And that kind of happened with Napoleon. We unpicked the film to help him focus on who Bonaparte was. I had to respect that, because what was being said was incredibly constructive. It made it all grow bigger and better.”
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Along with Phoenix and Kirby, the movie also castsTahar Rahimas Paul Barras,Ben Milesas Caulaincourt,Ludivine Sagnieras Theresa Cabarrus,Matthew Needhamas Lucien Bonaparte,Youssef Kerkouras General Davout,Phil Cornwellas Sanson ‘The Bourreau’,Edouard Philipponnatas Tsar Alexander,Paul Rhysas Talleyrand,John Hollingworthas Marshal Ney,Gavin Spokesas Moulins andIan McNeice.
Scott directs from a screenplay byDavid Scarpa. The movie is a joint production betweenApple Studios production and Scott Free Productions. Scott and Phoenix produce alongsideKevin WalshandMark HuffamwhileMichael PrussandAidan Elliottserved as executive producers.
The movie will march to theaters on November 22 before hitting Apple TV+ on an undisclosed date.
