Napoleon Gets Second Chance on Apple TV: Ridley Scott’s 157-Minute Gladiator Replacement Officially Finds an Audience
A difficult theatrical reception
Scott’s Napoleon follows the story of French leader Napoleon Bonaparte, an ambitious subject for the director. Joaquin Phoenix plays Napoleon, and Vanessa Kirby portrays Josephine. The film drew sharply mixed responses. Some critics described it as flat, tedious and too long, while Collider critic Ross Bonaime gave it 8/10 and praised its scale and ambition.
A second life on Apple TV
Three years after its release, Napoleon has become a hit at home. At the time of writing, it ranks among the ten most-watched movies on Apple TV worldwide.
That streaming performance gives Scott’s epic a new opportunity to reach viewers after its divisive theatrical run. The article does not provide a specific streaming audience figure.
Scott’s recent box-office struggles
The article also points to The Dog Stars, Scott’s adaptation of Peter Heller’s science-fiction novel. Its cast includes Jacob Elordi, Josh Brolin, Margaret Qualley and Guy Pearce. Made on a reported $110 million budget, The Dog Stars earned less than $40 million in theaters. Collider critic Gabrielle Moss said it offered something for many viewers, though she expected only a few to be genuinely thrilled by the whole film.
Key points
- Napoleon is among Apple TV’s ten most-watched movies worldwide, at the time of writing.
- Joaquin Phoenix stars as Napoleon Bonaparte, and Vanessa Kirby plays Josephine.
- Collider critic Ross Bonaime rated Napoleon 8/10, despite its mixed critical reception.
- The Dog Stars had a reported $110 million budget and earned less than $40 million theatrically.