Ridley Scott’s epic starring Joaquin Phoenix as French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte as he conquers Europe will premiere in theaters this autumn. It will later appear on Apple’s streaming service.
The film will tell the story of Napoleon’s ruthless rise to power and his obsessive love for his wife, Empress Josephine.
Napoleon hopes to conquer theaters first
Scott and Apple TV+ have been at work on Napoleon for years, of course. But Monday is the first time anyone committed to a release date: Wednesday, November 22, 2023.
For the benefit of those who came away from history class with only vague memories of short, French guy with a funny hat, the film captures “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 (Vanessa Kirby),” according to Apple’s description.
The French emperor conquered much of Europe, and the Apple TV+ film will include “Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition and astounding strategic mind as an extraordinary military leader and war visionary.”
The film is directed by Ridley Scott, who’s had a long career, including directing Blade Runner, Thelma and Louise, Gladiator, The Martian and many more. Joaquin Phoenix, who’ll play the titular star, also starred in Joker, Her, and more.
Among multiple Apple film headed for theaters
As noted, the film will premier in theaters in late autumn 2023. Sony Pictures will handle that release. Only later will the film be available on the Apple TV+ streaming service. The date for the streaming release was not announced.
It’s one of several Apple productions making their way to the big screen in the coming months, including Killers of the Flower Moon from Martin Scorsese and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The company is also reportedly investing $1 billion to make more films for theatrical release.
