Summary
Phoenix's remarkable performance in Joker is the reason he was chosen to play Napoleon in Ridley Scott's upcoming epic.
Scott was highly impressed by Phoenix's remarkable performance in Joker and strongly believed that he would be an ideal choice for the role of Napoleon.
Considering Phoenix's expertise in transforming into various characters and drawing inspiration from past adaptations, combined with his exceptional talent for adding depth and authenticity to his performances, there is no doubt that he would be an invaluable asset as the lead in Napoleon.
Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of the Joker in the movie earned him a role in Ridley Scott's Napoleon. The film Joker delved into the origin of the notorious DC Comics villain while Napoleon focuses on the French Emperor's quest for power in Europe. Phoenix's exceptional performance as the Joker gained immense praise, including the prestigious Best Actor Oscar at the Academy Awards.
According to Deadline, Scott revealed at the Contenders London event that he chose Phoenix for the role of Napoleon, citing his performance in Joker as the primary reason. Scott had to choose between Phoenix and another actor and ultimately concluded that Phoenix was the ideal fit for the character. Here is Scott's statement:
How Phoenix's Joker Relates To Napoleon
: The film Joker left a lasting impression on me, as it showcased an extraordinary performance by Joaquin. Though I had reservations about its glorification of violence, I couldn't help but recognize the immense talent displayed by Joaquin. Considering both artistic and commercial aspects, I firmly believed that he would be a valuable addition to the film Napoleon. In fact, I had only two actors in mind for the role, and I prefer not to disclose the other one.In Joker, Phoenix's portrayal of Phoenix is truly larger-than-life, making him the embodiment of crime and chaos in Gotham City. The depiction of Joker's fragile mental state, teetering on the brink of collapse, feels entirely believable and grounded in reality. As he descends into villainy, each moment is portrayed with authenticity. Phoenix's performance pays homage to previous interpretations of the character, but also brings a fresh perspective without relying too heavily on them.
The atmosphere and meticulous characterization that Phoenix brought to Joker are a perfect fit for Napoleon. From a narrative perspective, Joker's unexpected rise mirrors that of Napoleon, who became a prominent figure following the downfall of the French monarchy. Similarly, Phoenix's ability to adapt to different characters will greatly aid him in his role as a member of the Napoleon cast. With a rich history of actors portraying Napoleon, Phoenix will have a strong foundation to draw from, while also incorporating key elements of the real-life Napoleon Bonaparte. Scott's observation about the relevance of Phoenix's Joker experience in his portrayal of Napoleon is spot on.
Source: Deadline