Ridley Scott To Direct A Napoleon Film Starring Joaquin Phoenix
SirRidley Scottseems poised to do what Stanley Kubrick famously could not: make a movie about Napoleon.
A new report says Scott is set to direct an epic Napoleon film calledKitbagwhich will reunite him with hisGladiatorcast memberJoaquin Phoenix, who recently won a Best Actor trophy at the Oscars for his work on last year’sJoker. Cue the “Napoleon dancing down the steps” memes, and learn more about the project below.
Deadline reports that screenwriterDavid Scarpa, who previously wrote Scott’sAll the Money in the Worldand, as far as I can tell, is still trying to tackle Sony’s long-brewingCleopatramovie, will reunite with Scott and write the script forKitbag, which takes its title from the saying, “There is a general’s staff hidden in every soldier’s kitbag.” Here’s how the outlet describes the movie:
The film is an original and personal look at Napoleon’s origins and 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. The intention of the film is to capture Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition and astounding strategic mind as an extraordinary military leader and war visionary.
If I were a betting man, I’d bet the farm that this film will end up with a different title before an audience ever sees it. Remember, a different film company recently wouldn’t allow Josh Trank’s Al Capone movie to be calledFonzoand instead renamed itCaponeto appeal to a wider audience.Kitbagis currently set up at 20th Century Studios, which is owned by Disney, a company that doesn’t strike me as being in the business of leaving audiences confused as to what their properties are. Then again, maybe Scott has earned enough juice through his legendary career that they’ll let him have this one.
As for Phoenix playing Napoleon Bonaparte…sure. Give it a rip. There’s the potential for this film to end up as the definitive cinematic take on the French emperor, but at the end of the day, I’m just excited to see these two guys work together again twenty-plus years afterGladiator. Would I love to see Danny DeVito roll off of theIt’s Always Sunny in Philadelphiaset and play the role? Of course. Who wouldn’t? But even though he doesn’t exactly fit the physical requirements of the character, I’m confident Phoenix will deliver a layered, compelling performance.
Scott just wrapped production onThe Last Duel. HisGucci movieis next, and the plan is to shootKitbagafter that.
