‘Napoleon’ World Premiere: Watch Ridley Scott Launch His Historical Epic; Sony’s Vanessa Kirby and Tom Rothman share their thoughts after the red carpet attack

The world premiere of Ridley Scott’s work took place at the Salle Pleyel in Paris Napoleon Tonight, the red carpet rolls out for the epic starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby. Scott, the two lead actors and actor Tahar Rahim were all present at the unveiling of the film from Apple Original Films and Sony. Watch Scott pose for the photo below.

Deadline asked Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony, how he felt about walking the red carpet in the French capital with the stars of a film steeped in Gallic history. “Well, it feels fitting,” said the director. “If you premiere the film Napoleon, a great epic by Ridley Scott, you have to be in Paris. You must be in France.

A smiling Rothman added that he felt “huge” because it was the first big red carpet since the SAG-AFTRA strike. “I think it’s a great relief,” he said with a deep sigh.

Speaking about her character on the carpet, Kirby, who plays Empress Josephine, said: “I encourage everyone to find out more about her.” She added: “It’s great to be here after the strike. … I’m really glad we got through this.”

Rahim, who plays Paul Barras, said: “It was an absolute honor and privilege” to work with four-time Oscar nominee Scott. “To see Ridley work as a director and direct so many people – and animals, so many other things – was just an absolute joy and a beautiful lesson.”

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

Apple is teaming up with Sony for a worldwide theatrical release on November 22nd. Once the film hits theaters, it will be streamed worldwide on Apple TV+. Napoleon marks Apple’s second feature-length mega-theatrical release, following Martin Scorsese’s Flower Moon Killerwhich Paramount does.

Napoleon debuted earlier this month with a five-day domestic premiere scheduled in conjunction with the filmmaker’s 2021 Thanksgiving offering. House of Gucciwhich earned $22 million.

The film also stars 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. The screenplay is by David Scarpa.