The first BTS images from Ridley Scott’s new historical drama, Napoleon, reveal Joaquin Phoenix in costume as the titular French leader. Following on from 2021, which saw the release of House of Gucci and The Last Duel, the prolific director began shooting Napoleon in February 2022. The film, which has been billed as an epic historical drama, will explore Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power and how it intertwined with his tempestuous relationship with Joséphine Bonaparte. As it stands, the film has no release date, but it’s likely that it will release at some point in 2023.
Phoenix is helming the Napoleon's cast as the title character; the recipient of countless awards and four Oscar nominations (with one win for his performance in Joker), he is widely regarded as one of the finest actors of his generation. Phoenix has worked with Scott on a historical drama before, playing the villainous Commodus in Gladiator opposite Russell Crowe. Jodie Comer, who worked with Scott on The Last Duel, was initially cast as Napoleon’s wife Joséphine, but she was eventually replaced by fellow British actor Vanessa Kirby.
Now, in photos published online by the Daily Mail, audiences can get their first look at Phoenix as the 19th-century Frenchman. The photos show him kitted up in era-appropriate costuming, with a blue jacket flecked with gold trimmings on top of a white undershirt and trousers. The photos also appear to show on-location shooting, with a huge blue screen backdrop. Check out the Napoleon photos with the link below:
CLICK HERE TO SEE NAPOLEON SET PHOTOS
People familiar with Scott’s body of work won’t be surprised by the stunning production design on display in these Napoleon photos. The director’s previous historical epics, such as Gladiator and the recent The Last Duel, were praised for their sets, choice of locations, costume design, and hair and makeup. While the photos only provide an early glimpse into the film, it looks like audiences can expect more of the same when it comes to Napoleon.
The nature of the film’s subject matter, the experience of its director, and the caliber of its cast mean that Napoleon is likely to be in contention for major awards nominations upon its release. Audiences and critics will be watching Phoenix with particular attention, and hoping that the film’s impressive aesthetics frame his performance, rather than overwhelm it. If audiences weren’t already excited by the prospect of the film, these behind-the-scenes pictures of Phoenix make it clear that Napoleon is shaping up to be Scott’s latest must-see film.
Source: Daily Mail