Napoleon just got a lot longer. Director Ridley Scott revealed a new cut of the film starring Joaquin Phoenix that adds 48 additional minutes of previously unseen footage, bringing the total running time of the film to 3.5 hours or 205 minutes to be exact. The theatrical version was 157 minutes for comparison.
Bringing the director’s cut to Apple TV+, Scott announced in a new Director’s Cu trailer, “Hello, people of the internet! I’m thrilled to announce that Napoleon: The Director’s Cut is now exclusively on Apple TV+, complete with the newly added scenes that expand the scope of this epic production. Watch it now.” Scott cheekily signs off, “F*ckin’ great, that’s good for me.” The director’s cut that is now on Apple TV+ might have even been shorter than what Scott initially intended. Previously, Scott told Total Film that his personal cut for the film ran for 250 minutes which equates to 4 hours and 10 minutes.
The film stars Phoenix who plays the titular French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Scott’s movie touches on his tense relationship with his wife Josephine, played by Vanessa Kirby, as well as his battles throughout his military career. It was nominated for three Oscars. Director’s cuts are not new for Scott. 11 of his 28 feature-length films have received extended cuts, however Napoleon: The Director’s Cut’ marks the longest film in his roster.
Napoleon: The Director’s Cut’ is now on Apple TV+.
