Paris’ renowned Salle Pleyel became the stage for the world premiere of Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated film, ‘Napoleon,’ starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby. The red carpet event was graced by the presence of Scott, the lead actors, and Tahar Rahim. With much fanfare, the film, a collaboration between Apple Original Films and Sony, finally made its much-awaited debut. In an exhilarating moment, the audience witnessed the unveiling of this epic masterpiece.
As the chairman and CEO of Sony, Tom Rothman expressed his thoughts on being present on the red carpet in the heart of the French capital amidst stars of a movie entrenched in Gallic history. Rothman emphasized that premiering a movie of Napoleon’s magnitude, crafted by the skilled hand of Ridley Scott, calls for a location synonymous with the grandeur of the French emperor. The feeling of prestige was evident as Rothman appeared relaxed and content, considering this event as the first major red carpet occasion after the SAG-AFTRA strike. This milestone gave rise to a sense of relief, apparent in Rothman’s deep sigh of satisfaction.
Vanessa Kirby, who portrays Empress Josephine in ‘Napoleon,’ took the opportunity to shed light on her character during her red carpet appearance. With enthusiasm and sincerity, Kirby urged viewers to delve deeper into the historical context and learn about the remarkable figure of Empress Josephine. The actress expressed her joy at being part of this cinematic venture and her gratitude that the SAG-AFTRA strike had been overcome, allowing the film’s premiere to take place in all its glory.
Tahar Rahim, known for his expertise and versatility as an actor, expressed his sheer honor and privilege to collaborate with the four-time Oscar nominee Ridley Scott in bringing ‘Napoleon’ to life. Rahim observed and admired Scott’s adeptness as a director, skillfully orchestrating a multitude of actors, as well as the inclusion of animals and various other elements. Working alongside Scott proved to be an invaluable experience for Rahim, serving as both a delightful journey and a profound lesson in the art of filmmaking.
In ‘Napoleon,’ Joaquin Phoenix portrays the eponymous conqueror, while Vanessa Kirby embodies Empress Josephine, Napoleon’s beloved partner. Directed by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa, the film offers an exploration of Napoleon’s origins, his swift rise to power as Emperor, and the tempestuous nature of his relationship with Josephine. Viewers are taken on a captivating journey through Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition, and extraordinary leadership. Scott skillfully unveils the strategic mind of this war visionary, ensuring audiences are immersed in the grandeur and drama that define Napoleon’s legacy.
Apple has collaborated with Sony for a worldwide theatrical release of ‘Napoleon’ on November 22. After its cinematic run, the film will be available for streaming worldwide on Apple TV+. This marks Apple’s second foray into a mega-wide theatrical release, following the highly anticipated ‘Killers of the Flower Moon’ directed by Martin Scorsese, which Paramount is responsible for distributing. Anticipation for ‘Napoleon’ has been building since its initial tracking, projecting a domestic opening comparable to Scott’s other 2021 masterpiece, ‘House of Gucci,’ which garnered an impressive $22 million in its debut.
Apart from Phoenix and Kirby, the film also features the talents of Mark Bonnar, Rupert Everett, and Youssef Kerkour. ‘Napoleon’ boasts an exceptional production team, with Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam, Phoenix, and Scott serving as producers. Raymond Kirk, Aidan Elliott, and Michael Pruss take on the roles of executive producers, ensuring that every aspect of the film meets the highest standards of excellence. The screenplay, penned by David Scarpa, adds depth and nuance to the narrative, further enhancing the overall cinematic experience.
The world premiere of ‘Napoleon’ in Paris left audiences awe-inspired by the grandeur and masterful storytelling of Ridley Scott. This collaboration between Apple Original Films and Sony brings to life one of history’s most captivating figures and offers a unique perspective on Napoleon’s journey to power. With its stellar cast, meticulous production, and compelling narrative, ‘Napoleon’ promises to be a cinematic masterpiece that captivates audiences worldwide.