We’ve been waiting to hear of a release date for director Ridley Scott‘s latest historical epic Napoleon, which stars Joker Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix as the title character, the French emperor and military leader. Now we know the release date. The project is an Apple Original, but it’s also an awards season contender, so it’s no surprise to hear that it’s going to be getting a theatrical release before it ends up on Apple TV+. Apple Original Films has announced that they’re teaming up with Sony Pictures Entertainment to bring Napoleon to theatres on Wednesday, November 22nd.
Directed by Scott from a screenplay by David Scarpa, Napoleon is an original and personal look at Napoleon’s origins and his swift, ruthless climb to emperor, viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine. The film captures Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition and astounding strategic mind as an extraordinary military leader and war visionary.
Josephine is played by Vanessa Kirby, and Tahar Rahim plays French politician Paul Barras.
An Apple Studios production in conjunction with Scott Free Productions, Napoleon was produced by Scott, Phoenix, Kevin Walsh, and Mark Huffam, with Michael Pruss and Aidan Elliott serving as executive producers.
Scott told The Hollywood Reporter, “The older I get, the more I look for things which are about something, aren’t just entertainment. It must have an effect on somebody.” He was drawn to Napoleon because of the relationship between Napoleon and Josephine, and because it would take him back to the environment of his first film, the 1977 Napoleonic drama The Duellists. “You’ve got to serve battles, and action, and sex with great restraint. Otherwise, it all gets boring. What is it about Napoleon that makes him fascinating? Very simply this: a man who was one of the most powerful men in history, yet is so reliant on a woman.“
Are you looking forward to Napoleon, and are you glad to hear it’s going to be showing in theatres before it moves on to Apple TV+? Will you be heading out to see this movie? Let us know by leaving a comment below.
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