Ridley Scott’s 2023 historical epic *Napoleon*, starring Joaquin Phoenix, has become a strong performer on Apple TV after disappointing at the box office. Its resurgence suggests renewed streaming interest in large-scale historical films, while Scott prepares to return to science fiction with *The Dog Stars*.

The 158-minute film earned far less theatrically than Christopher Nolan’s *Oppenheimer*, despite reportedly costing about twice as much to make. Phoenix played Napoleon in his first major leading role since winning an Oscar for *Joker*, and reports later said he nearly left shortly before production began.