THE WHOLE SCOOP
Ridley Scott has an epic 270-minute version of his film Napoleon tucked away, which delves deeper into Joséphine’s character. Scott has a track record of enhancing his films with extended versions that outshine their theatrical releases, as demonstrated by hits like Blade Runner and Kingdom of Heaven. While it’s still up in the air if this beefed-up Napoleon will ever see the light of day, the idea certainly tantalizes fans and could coax them into re-watching the film.
In Ridley Scott’s newest historical blockbuster Napoleon, Joaquin Phoenix takes center stage as Napoleon Bonaparte, supported by Vanessa Kirby as Joséphine. Though the current nearly-three-hour runtime provides a comprehensive look at Napoleon’s life, Scott has admitted that he’s only scratched the surface.
In a conversation with Empire, cited by World of Reel, Scott confessed he’s sitting on an epic cut of Napoleon that runs a jaw-dropping 270 minutes. This behemoth of a cut offers even more backstory on Joséphine, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby.
Though the existing version of ‘Napoleon’ already clocks in at close to three hours, Scott has another version up his sleeve that would keep you glued to your seat for nearly four and a half hours, exploring Joséphine’s life before she crosses paths with Napoleon. He’s nudging Apple, the film’s financiers, to give this extended cut a chance. “It’s an absolutely mind-blowing narrative,” comments Joaquin Phoenix about Napoleon’s life journey. “I think we’ve managed to capture some of its most compelling chapters.”
Ridley Scott: The Director’s Cut Maestro
Let’s be real, Ridley Scott is no stranger to revisiting his past works and releasing amped-up versions that often end up outclassing their cinematic counterparts. Take Blade Runner: The Final Cut, for instance. Scott axed Harrison Ford’s rather tedious voiceover, making the film exponentially better. Another case in point is Kingdom of Heaven’s extended cut, which redefined the film critically, leaving audiences with a historical epic worth its weight in cinematic gold.
Will Apple or Sony Pictures jump on board with Scott’s plea to release this grandiose cut of Napoleon? The ball’s in their court. But let’s just say, it could be a winning shot, making people keen to experience the film again. Post-Napoleon, Scott plans to plunge back into his passion for Roman narratives. He’s deep into prepping the sequel to Gladiator, although its production is currently on ice due to labor disputes involving the WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
Coming Soon to Theaters and Streaming
The film is slated to premiere on November 22 and will subsequently be exclusively available for streaming on Apple TV+. Apple has shared a synopsis along with the film’s trailer to whet your appetite.
Napoleon is a grandiose, action-packed chronicle detailing the tumultuous ascent and descent of the legendary French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, brilliantly portrayed by Oscar® winner Joaquin Phoenix. This cinematic feast, masterfully orchestrated by Ridley Scott, delves into Napoleon’s relentless climb to power through the lens of his tempestuous and all-consuming love affair with Josephine. The film offers a bird’s-eye view of his innovative military and political maneuvers, all set against some of the most riveting and authentic battle scenes ever captured on film.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Ridley Scott’s Extended Cut of ‘Napoleon’
What is Ridley Scott’s extended cut of ‘Napoleon’ all about?
The extended cut of ‘Napoleon,’ directed by Ridley Scott, is a whopping 270-minute version of the film. This version aims to offer a more comprehensive look at Napoleon Bonaparte’s life, with particular focus on adding depth to the character of Joséphine, portrayed by Vanessa Kirby.
Who stars in the film ‘Napoleon’?
The film features Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte and Vanessa Kirby as Joséphine.
Is the extended cut of ‘Napoleon’ confirmed for release?
As of now, there is no confirmation that the extended cut will be released. Ridley Scott has expressed his desire to screen it, and the ball is in the court of Apple and Sony Pictures to decide.
Where can I watch ‘Napoleon’ when it is released?
The film is set to debut in theaters on November 22 and will subsequently be available for streaming exclusively on Apple TV+.
How does this extended cut compare to Ridley Scott’s other extended versions?
Ridley Scott has a history of releasing extended versions of his films, like Blade Runner and Kingdom of Heaven, which have often been hailed as superior to the original cuts. The expectation is that the extended cut of ‘Napoleon’ will offer a similarly enhanced cinematic experience.
What’s next for Ridley Scott after ‘Napoleon’?
After the release of ‘Napoleon,’ Ridley Scott plans to return to his love for Roman epics. He is currently in the preparatory stages of a sequel to Gladiator, although the project is delayed due to ongoing industrial action by WGA and SAG-AFTRA.
What does the film ‘Napoleon’ focus on in terms of narrative?
‘Napoleon’ is an action-packed historical epic that focuses on the rise and fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. The film particularly explores his tumultuous relationship with his love, Joséphine, and showcases his military and political brilliance.
More about Ridley Scott’s Extended Cut of ‘Napoleon’
- Ridley Scott Talks About Extended Cut on Empire
- Apple TV+ Upcoming Releases
- Joaquin Phoenix’s Filmography
- Vanessa Kirby’s Career Highlights
- A Look Back at Ridley Scott’s Director’s Cuts
- WGA and SAG-AFTRA Industrial Action News
- Ridley Scott’s Roman Epic Passion
- The Making of Blade Runner: The Final Cut
- Kingdom of Heaven: Extended vs Theatrical Cut
8 comments
Scott’s Director’s Cuts have a history of turning good films into great ones. so i got high hopes for this one. Let’s see if it actually releases tho.
ridley scott and Joaquin Phoenix? thats a dream team right there. Plus Vanessa Kirby is awesome, can’t wait!
Whats the holdup with Gladiator sequel? WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes affecting it? Man, I was looking forward to it.
4.5 hrs? hope apple tv+ gets it. a weekend binge watch for sure!
Extended cuts usually mean better storytelling. Look at Blade Runner, the extended cut was a game changer. So why not give Napoleon the same treatment?
Finally a movie that might do justice to Napoleon’s complex relationship with Josephine! and under the direction of Scott, this has got to be good.
This is epic! Scott never disappoints. Can’t wait to see Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon. What a casting choice!
whoa 270 mins? thats like watching the Lord of the Rings extended cut lol. But hey, if its Ridley Scott, count me in!