‘Napoleon’ World Premiere: Watch Ridley Scott Introduce His Historical Epic; Vanessa Kirby & Sony’s Tom Rothman Share Post-Strike Thoughts On Red Carpet

Melanie Goodfellow and Nancy Tartaglione
·3 min read

Paris’ Salle Pleyel hosted the world premiere of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon this evening, rolling out the red carpet for the epic that stars Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby. Scott, the two leads and actor Tahar Rahim all were in attendance for the unveiling of the film from Apple Original Films and Sony. Watch Scott introduce the pic below.

Deadline asked Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group Tom Rothman about being on a red carpet in the French capital with stars of a film steeped in Gallic history. “Well, it feels appropriate,” the exec said. “If you’re gonna premiere the movie of Napoleon, a great epic by Ridley Scott, you should be in Paris. You should be in France.”

More from Deadline

A smiling Rothman added that he feels “great” about this being the first big red carpet after the SAG-AFTRA strike. “It think that’s a great relief,” he said amid a deep sigh.

Kirby, who plays Empress Josephine, talked up her character on the carpet, saying, “I encourage anyone to go learn about her.” She added, “It’s wonderful to be here after the strike. … Very glad we got through that.”

RELATED: ‘Napoleon’ Trailer: First Look At Joaquin Phoenix In Ridley Scott’s Historical Epic 

Rahim, who plays Paul Barras, said “It was an absolute honor and privilege” to work with four-time Oscar nominee Scott. “seeing Ridley working as a director, directing tons of people — and animals, so many other things — was just an absolute pleasure, and a beautiful lesson.”

Phoenix stars as the titular conqueror with Kirby as Empress Josephine. Directed by Scott from a screenplay by David Scarpa, Napoleon tells the story of the military leader’s origins and swift, ruthless climb to Emperor as viewed through the prism of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his wife and one true love, Josephine. The film captures Napoleon’s famous battles, relentless ambition and strategic mind as an extraordinary leader and war visionary.

Apple has partnered with Sony for a November 22 worldwide theatrical release. After its run in cinemas, the film will stream globally on Apple TV+. Napoleon reps Apple’s second mega-wide theatrical release on a long window after Martin Scorsese’s Killers of the Flower Moon, which Paramount is handling.

Napoleon came on tracking earlier this month with a five-day domestic opening projected in the range of the filmmaker’s 2021 Thanksgiving launch, House of Gucci, which did $22M.

Also starring are Mark Bonnar, Rupert Everett and Youssef Kerkour. Producers are Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam, Phoenix and Scott. Executive Producers are Raymond Kirk, Aidan Elliott and Michael Pruss. Screenplay is by David Scarpa.

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Latest Stories