Ridley Scott has become synonymous with the term “director’s cut,” thanks to his work on films like “Blade Runner” and “Kingdom of Heaven.” His upcoming project, “Napoleon,” is also set to receive the director’s cut treatment, and it’s expected to run for an extensive four hours when it debuts on Apple TV+ early next year.
During an interview with Total Film Magazine, Ridley Scott expressed his satisfaction with the way his historical epic, featuring Joaquin Phoenix as the French general and emperor, is being handled by Sony Pictures and Apple Original Films. He highlighted that this arrangement offers him the best of both worlds, allowing for a full theatrical release while also granting him the creative freedom that streaming platforms provide.
Ridley Scott provided some insights into the release plan for his upcoming film, “Napoleon.” He mentioned that the first step will involve screening the theatrical cut in partnership with Sony Pictures, followed by its theatrical run. Afterward, the director’s cut, which currently stands at four hours and 10 minutes (although it’s still being edited), will be made available on streaming platforms.
Scheduled to be released by Sony Pictures over Thanksgiving weekend, “Napoleon” delves into the life of one of the most iconic figures in French history, examining his tumultuous relationship with Empress Josephine, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby.
The film is a significant reunion for Scott and Joaquin Phoenix, more than two decades after their collaboration on the Oscar-winning “Gladiator,” where Phoenix played the role of the corrupt Roman emperor Commodus opposite Russell Crowe. Following “Napoleon,” Scott’s next project is a sequel to “Gladiator,” which had its production temporarily halted due to the SAG-AFTRA strike but is currently slated for a release in November 2024.
