Napoleon: Release Date, Cast, Plot, Trailer, First Look And All About The Historical Movie Starring Joaquin Phoenix
Napoleon Bonaparte gets the full Ridley Scott treatment in this new film, which will arrive in both theaters in 2023 and later on Apple TV Plus. Acclaimed British director Ridley is no stranger to epic historical dramas, having created epic films such as Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven and Robin Hood , but in 2023 he explores the life of brutal French leader Napoleon Bonaparte.
"Joker" star Joaquin Phoenix plays the famous French emperor, while Vanessa Kirby plays his true love Josephine. But even when the story is seen through the lens of their often volatile relationship, that doesn't mean it avoids showing some of Napoleon's famous battles in all their bloody glory.
Here's everything you need to know about the new Apple TV+ movie Napoleon ...
Date of issue of Napoleon
Napoleon is a deluxe film that will be released in theaters worldwide on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, Thanksgiving Day in the US, and then on Apple TV+. There's no word yet on when we'll be able to watch the film on Apple TV+, but watch this space and we'll let you know as soon as we know anything.
* How to look at Napoleon
Is there a Napoleonic caravan?
Yes, there were several Napoleon trailers with large-scale battle scenes, power struggles and a passionate love story. Check out both below...
Napoleon's plot
The film looks at the origins of Napoleon and his rapid rise to power until he became emperor of France. It explores his extraordinary strategic mind and relentless ambition, and focuses on his fascinating but sometimes toxic relationship with Josephine.
Read our Napoleon movie review here...
Napoleon review: Ridley Scott, the emperor of the epic
With Napoleon - Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon
Joaquin Phoenix plays the French warrior Napoleon. He is the younger brother of the late River Phoenix and is known for playing dark and complex characters and starred as the Joker and Komodo in Ridley Scott's Gladiator . He played country singer Johnny Cash in Walk The Line and appeared in the films Mary Magdalene Her, Hotel Rwanda and Buffalo Soldiers . Joaquín will also reprise his role as Arthur Fleck/Joker in the sequel Joker 2, slated for release in 2024.
Vanessa Kirby as Josephine
Vanessa Kirby plays Napoleon's famous wife, Empress Josephine. This is not the first time she has played members of the royal family, having played Princess Margaret in the first two series of The Crown . She also appeared in the films Pieces of a Woman, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Me Before You and The World Come .
Who else plays Napoleon on Apple TV+?
The rest of the cast of Napoleon includes Ben Miles as Coulancourt, Tahar Rahim as Paul Barras and Paul Rhys as Talleyrand, Edouard Philippon as Tsar Alexander, Matthew Needham as Lucien Bonaparte and Ludwin Sagnier as Teresa Cabarrus.
Also starring Doc Martin , Ian McNeese, John Hollingworth, Scott Handy, Youssef Kerkour, Benjamin Chivers, Gavin Speaks, Sam Crane, Phil Cornwell and David Tucci.
Fact File: Who Was Napoleon In World History?
Napoleon Bonaparte, a Corsican, was a political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution. He became Emperor of France in 1804 and was one of the greatest generals in history, defeating Prussia, Russia and Austria and causing the disintegration of the Holy Roman Empire. He led the Napoleonic Wars, which cost the lives of between three and six million civilians and soldiers. Napoleon married Josephine in 1976 and again in 1804, this time for religious reasons, but their relationship was turbulent. Napoleon was defeated by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815 and exiled by the British to the Atlantic island of St Helena, where he died in 1821 at the age of 51.
All about Ridley Scott
British director and producer Sir Ridley Scott rose to fame with the 1979 sci-fi film Alien . He went on to direct Blade Runner, Gladiator, Kingdom of Heaven, Thelma and Louise, The Martian, American Gangster and Black Hawk Down . He won the Oscar for Best Picture for the movie Gladiator. In 2021, Ridley played the role of Lady Gaga in House of Gucci, a film about the murder of a fashion icon.
