Joaquin Phoenix Embarks on a Reign of Terror as French General in Trailer for Apple Studios 'Napoleon'

by Darian Scalamoni

    Ridley Scott (Gladiator, The Martian) is best known for his epic features; however, none may be as epic as his latest effort chronicling the life of brutal and iconic French general, Napoleon Bonaparte. The first trailer for Napoleon, which will be distributed by Apple Studios just dropped giving us a glance at the remarkable production design, sets and lead performances from Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.

    Phoenix (Joker, Walk the Line) is immersing himself within the role of the titular emperor, who is best known for his volatile actions, relentless pursuit of victory and visionary militaristic tactics that led to his rise and fall to power. Kirby (The Crown, Mission: Impossible - Fallout) plays his wife, Empress Josephine in what looks to be an engrossing performance as well. As we've seen throughout the past few months, the practical effects and expansive battle scenes look to achieve a spectacle that Scott has been seeking since Gladiator back in 2000.

    Scott is currently filming Gladiator 2 with an incredible cast that includes Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal and Joseph Quinn. Phoenix already had a major release earlier in 2023 with Ari Aster's Beau is Afraid, meanwhile, he recently wrapped filming on sequel, Joker: Folie a Deux alongside Lady Gaga who will debut as Harley Quinn in the musical follow-up to the DC Comics inspired Oscar-winning film. Kirby will be seen in the upcoming Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One. David Scarpa (All the Money in the World, The Man in the High Castle) writes the script for Napoleon.

    Check out the trailer below for Ridley Scott's Napoleon! The film opens on November 22.