Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated film, Napoleon, is set to make a big splash at the global box office. With Apple Studios producing and Sony distributing the film, industry insiders are predicting a strong start with a projected worldwide opening of $46M. This article delves into the details of the film’s release strategy, potential earning, and its comparison to another Apple Studios production, Killers of the Flower Moon.
Napoleon will have a staggered release, starting on Wednesday and running through Sunday. The film is expected to earn $22M domestically and $24M internationally, making it a truly global release. While Napoleon is not the only wide release during the Thanksgiving holiday, it is poised to stand out among the competition.
Industry insiders have drawn comparisons between Napoleon and Ridley Scott’s previous film, House of Gucci. Both films share a similar release strategy, with a 45-day theatrical window before streaming on Apple TV+. House of Gucci saw success during the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday, grossing $34.1M globally in its opening weekend. Napoleon is expected to surpass this figure with its strong international rollout.
Invasion of Offshore Territories
Napoleon will be released in 85% of offshore territories, including major markets like Belgium, France, and the UK. These territories have proven to be lucrative for Scott’s previous films, and the same is expected for Napoleon. Other key territories, including Australia, Brazil, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, China, and Japan, will also see the film’s release in late November and early December. Scott’s consistent success in international markets bodes well for Napoleon’s global prospects.
Leading up to its release, Napoleon has been generating buzz among older male demographics, particularly those over 35. However, there is also interest from males aged 17-34 and women over 35. The film currently holds a 67% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a mixed critical reception. With positive buzz and a wide demographic appeal, Napoleon has the potential to draw in a diverse audience.
Another significant Apple Studios production, Killers of the Flower Moon, serves as an interesting point of comparison to Napoleon. Despite a longer runtime of 3 1/2 hours, Killers of the Flower Moon had a successful global debut, earning $44M and receiving critical acclaim with a certified fresh rating of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, Napoleon’s shorter runtime of 2 hours and 38 minutes may give it an advantage in terms of showtimes and potential box office revenue.
With Apple Studios backing, Ridley Scott’s Napoleon is poised to make a big impact at the global box office. Its strong international rollout, targeting major territories, and its appeal across different demographics point to a successful opening weekend. While comparisons can be drawn to House of Gucci and Killers of the Flower Moon, Napoleon has its own unique selling points that set it apart. As audiences flock to theaters during the Thanksgiving holiday, Napoleon has the potential to exceed expectations and continue Ridley Scott’s streak of box office success.