Joaquin Phoenix To Portray Napoleon Bonaparte In Ridley Scott’s ‘Kitbag’

Following a huge victory for Best Actor at this year’s 92nd Academy Awards and the birth of his first child, Joaquin Pheonix is riding a wave of momentum into his next big role. As first reported by Deadline, the multi-faceted actor will reteam with his Gladiator director Ridley Scott in a new feature titled Kitbag. Pheonix will portray French military leader and emperor Napoleon Bonaparte.

The news comes following the wrap on production for Scott’s highly anticipated film The Last Duel, starring Matt Damon and Adam Driver. Scott has tapped screenwriter David Scarpa (The Day the Earth Stood Still) to pen the screenplay for Kitbag. The film’s title derives from the saying “there is a general’s staff hidden in every soldier’s kitbag.” Moreover, the feature will explore Napoleon’s origins as he ruthlessly maneuvers his way to the throne. Additional plot points follow his volatile relationship with his wife Josephine and his strategic mind that won him countless battles.

Napolean was a French statesman and military leader who became notorious as an artillery commander during the French Revolution. He led many successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars. Afterward, he was the Emperor of the French as Napoleon I from 1804 until 1814. World history often remembers Napoleon as a worldwide cultural icon who symbolizes military genius and political power.

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Ridley Scott will direct and produce the feature alongside Kevin Walsh (Manchester by the Sea) via his Scott Free banner. Scott will begin working on this latest venture once he completes work on Gucci, the murder-drama starring Lady Gaga, Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Adam Driver, and Jared Leto.

One of the greatest actors in cinematic history, Joaquin Pheonix usually commits fully to his characters. Most recently, the actor delivered a jaw-dropping performance as the Clown Prince of Crime in DC’s Joker. His impressive litany of roles also includes critically acclaimed turns in films like Walk The Line, Her, and Hotel Rwanda. Up next, Pheonix will appear in A24’s Mike Mills-directed drama C’mon C’mon.

What do you think? Is Joaquin Pheonix a good choice to portray the historical figure Napolean? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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