Director Ridley Scott‘s Napoleon did not have the best reception when it was released in 2023. Called out for historical inaccuracies, and delivering a lackluster box office that barely covered its huge $200 million budget, the film did become a hit on Apple TV+, and now is looking to do so all over again. While Scott had hinted that a Director’s Cut would be coming down the line, audiences were surprised as the new version of the movie arrived on Apple TV+, incorporating an extra 48 minutes of previously unreleased footage.
As reported by Entertainment Weekly, the additional footage increases the previous theatrical runtime from 157 minutes to 205 minutes, or almost three and a half hours. Previously, Scott told Total Film that his personal cut ran for 250 minutes, meaning that he has been surprisingly conservative with the runtime of the version he has chosen to release. Scott announced the release via social media in a video where he expresses his excitement about releasing this version of the film. He enthusiastically greeted the fans, “Hello, people of the internet!”, and he announced that it was exclusively available on Apple TV+, with all new footage.
Written by David Scarpa, the film was directed and produced by Scott. Napoleon stars Joaquin Phoenix as the historical figure Napoleon Bonaporte. The film highlighted the French emperor’s relationship with Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), while also following the rise of his military career. The film also showcases several intense battles throughout Bonaparte’s military career. Tahar Rim, Rupert Everett, Ben Miles, and Ludivine Sangier also star. It was nominated for three Academy Awards for Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, and Best Visual Effects.
Scott’s extensive filmography is filled with extended cuts, which is perhaps not surprising considering his career spans almost 50 years since 1977. Napoleon: The Director’s Cut‘s 3.5-hour runtime makes it the longest movie of Scott’s career, beating out the Kingdom of Heaven‘s Director’s Cut, which clocked in at 189 minutes. Few directors have released as many extended cuts of their movies as Scott, with 11 of his 28 feature films all receiving some alternate version. With the rise in streaming platforms, the director now has the perfect output for such ventures.
Alien, Blade Runner, Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, and The Martian have all received extended cuts. Some fans enthusiastically called the extended cuts better than the theatrical versions, mostly for Blade Runner and Kingdom of Heaven. Scott and his collaborators have also claimed that several movies that have not received a Director’s Cut do have longer versions that could be released, including Black Rain, 1492: Conquest of Paradise, The Last Duel and House of Gucci.
What’s Next For Ridley Scott?
Scarpa and Scott are collaborating once again for Scott’s upcoming film, Gladiator II, the sequel to the 2000 critically acclaimed film, Gladiator. The first film starred Russell Crowe and was praised by critics and audiences alike, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The upcoming sequel stars Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Connie Nielson, Fred Hechinger, Joseph Quinn and Denzel Washington. Derek Jacobi and Nielsen are reprising their roles from the previous film.
The story follows Lucius, the former heir to the Roman Empire, who becomes a gladiator after his home is invaded by the Roman Army. Scott believes Gladiator II may be the “best film he’s ever made.”Gladiator II is scheduled to be released first in the United Kingdom, on November 15, 2024, and later in the United States on November 22, the same day as the highly anticipated movie musical, Wicked.
You can stream
Napoleon: The Director’s Cut
on Apple TV+ now.