Napoleon first official trailer: Joaquin Phoenix is seen as the military wizard

The first trailer for the high anticipated historical film Napoleon was released early on Monday morning.

Joaquin Phoenix was seen in character as Napoleon Bonaparte. The 48-year-old actor looks disturbed as the French military wizard as he pushed his way to the height of power in France.

The trailer opens with chaos. ‘You must make an example, or France will fold,’ Napoleon is told. Phoenix answers, ‘I promise you brilliant successes.’

Next the emperor is seen bloodied during a fierce battle which leads to him trying to blow up the top of a pyramid in Egypt. ‘I am destined for greatness,’ he says and then it is suggested he become the emperor of France.

More battle scenes are seen as the ruler is criticized for his ‘lack of good manners.’

All along the clip glimpses of his comely lady love Joséphine Bonaparte are seen as she tells him he is nothing without her.

The film is due to be released on Apple TV+ on November 22, 2023. 

All eyes on Napoleon: His counsel tells him how he needs to stay in power during the early 1800s

Napoleon Bonaparte, pictured here, succeeded in transforming France into a continent-spanning empire and was well known for his military expertise

Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a Corsican-born French military commander and political leader.

He gained fame during the French Revolution and led successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars. 

In the trailer he is seen in full military regalia. 

And, at 5ft 8in, Phoenix is a couple of inches closer to the 18th century military leader than you might think.  Despite rumours of Napoleon’s tiny frame, he was actually believed to be closer to 5ft 7in – average height at the time.

He was also seen coming face to face with his wife for the first time, Joséphine Bonaparte, who was Empress of the French as the first wife of Emperor Napoleon I from 18 May 1804 until their marriage was annulled on 10 January 1810.

She drops into the trailer now and then, and there is even a kissing scene, as she later warns him that he would collapse without her. 

The film explores Napoleon’s climb to power through his relationship with his wife Josephine. 

It will see Phoenix star opposite Vanessa Kirby, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown, after Killing Eve star Jodie Comer was forced to pull out.

War lord: The 47-year-old actor looked disturbed as the French emperor as he pushed his way to the height of power in France

War time: The trailer opens with chaos. ‘You must make an example, or France will fold,’ Napoleon is told. Phoenix answers, ‘I promise you brilliant successes’

His lady love: He is seen coming face to face with his wife for the first time, Joséphine Bonaparte, who was Empress of the French as the first wife of Emperor Napoleon I from 18 May 1804 until their marriage was annulled on 10 January 1810 

It is also the first time Phoenix has been reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000.

The film was previously titled Kitbag which referred to the saying: ‘There is a general’s staff hidden in every soldier’s kitbag.’ 

The expression means it is possible for any soldier to become a general. 

Speaking about the film, Sir Ridley said: ‘Napoleon is a man I’ve always been fascinated by. 

‘He came out of nowhere to rule everything –but all the while he was waging a romantic war with his adulterous wife Josephine.

‘He conquered the world to try to win her love, and when he couldn’t, he conquered it to destroy her.

‘No actor could ever embody Napoleon like Joaquin.’