Looks like Joaquin Phoenix is hanging up those clown shoes! The actor is currently filming the upcoming Apple TV+ Napoleon Bonaparte film Kitbag, reuniting with director Ridley Scott for the first time since 2000’s Gladiator. A new set photo gave fans their first look at Phoenix playing the French emperor, so naturally, Twitter had a field day.
Phoenix was dressed in full 18th century military regalia, complete with a very historically accurate, very silly-looking hat. It’s worth noting that the 5’8″ actor gives the notoriously short historical figure a bit of an image boost (pun intended).
Still, given the prevalence of Napoleon jokes, it wasn’t long before people took to social media to joke about Phoenix’s latest gig.
As one Twitter user put it: “His Napoleon will be *looks to camera* ….Dynamite.”
In the meantime, the photos also left plenty of viewers hyped for Scott’s historical drama… and even a little thirsty.
Kitbag chronicles the historical figure’s rise to power through the lense of his addictive and often volatile relationship with his first wife, Empress Joséphine (played by Vanessa Kirby).
The real question is: Will Phoenix speak in his regular accent, like the cast of Scott’s unsung film The Last Duel? Or will he whip out a wild French accent, a la Jared Leto in House of Gucci? Either way, color me intrigued.