All About 'Napoleon'
Joaquin Phoenix and director Ridley Scott bring you another historical epic on the scale of 'Gladiator' (2000). This time, the pair present the true story of Napoleon Bonaparte's rise from skilled military commander to Emperor of the French.
The film contrasts Bonaparte's bloody coup to his torrid affair with Empress Joséphine, played by Vanessa Kirby.
Back in 2001, 'Gladiator' fought for 12 Oscar nominations, including Best Director for Scott and Best Supporting Actor for Phoenix. It ultimately took home five awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Russell Crowe. 'Napoleon' (2023) seems likewise destined for Academy greatness.
Scott will follow this film with a 'Gladiator' sequel, written by 'Napoleon' scribe David Scarpa. Paul Mescal plays Commodus' nephew Lucius in an all-star ensemble featuring Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, and Pedro Pascal. Plus, Connie Nielsen and Djimon Hounsou return from the first film.
Filmmaking maestro Stanley Kubrick developed his own Napoleon epic for nearly a decade with Jack Nicholson and Audrey Hepburn attached to the lead roles.
Steven Spielberg still intends to turn Kubrick's script into a seven-part miniseries, but Ridley Scott will clearly beat him to the punch this November with Napoleon, premiering in theaters before debuting on Apple TV Plus.