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Ridley Scott’s 157-Minute ‘Gladiator’ Replacement Officially Gets a Second Chance on Apple TV
Ridley Scott’s 2023 historical epic *Napoleon* has found a new audience on Apple TV, ranking among the platform’s ten most-watched films worldwide. Its streaming popularity gives the film a second chance after a mixed critical response and a theatrical run that fell short of expectations.
The film stars Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby and was reportedly made for $200 million. It earned just under $220 million worldwide, including $61 million in North America and $156 million overseas, but dropped from second to sixth place at the box office in its second weekend.
In short
- *Napoleon* is among Apple TV’s ten most-watched films worldwide.
- The $200 million epic earned just under $220 million in cinemas.
- Its streaming success follows a mixed reception and quick box-office decline.
Explained simply
Napoleon is a historical drama directed by Ridley Scott, known for films such as Gladiator. It follows Napoleon Bonaparte, the French military leader who rose to power during the upheaval after the French Revolution and became emperor in the early 19th century.
Joaquin Phoenix plays Napoleon, with Vanessa Kirby as Joséphine, his wife and political companion. The film depicts Napoleon’s rise and military campaigns, linking his public ambition with his personal relationships.
Big-budget historical films can depend on cinema audiences to recoup their costs, while streaming services offer another route to viewers. Napoleon’s later audience on Apple TV gives the film a wider life beyond its initial release and shows how a film’s reach can change after leaving cinemas.