In January of 2021, it was reported that Ridley Scott was bringing his film about the life of Napoleon Bonaparte to Apple TV+. We already know that Joaquin Phoenix (C’mon C’mon) is set to star in the film as Bonaparte, and we learned later that Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) would be joining him. However, there’s been a bit of a change as far as casting is concerned.
Update (01/05/2022): In a separate report from Deadline, the publication states that Apple and Ridley Scott were able to lock down a replacement for Comer in pretty much record time. Moving forward, star of Pieces of a Woman, Vanessa Kirby, will now play Josephine in the upcoming Apple TV+ film.
The original article continues below.
According to Deadline, Comer has decided to step away from the project known as Kitbag. The reason, based on the information shared, is covid-related, as it’s messed with the actor’s scheduling. Comer was set to take up the role of Josephine, starring opposite of Phoenix. That won’t be happening, though.
However, that’s where the bad news stops. The report goes on to say that Phoenix has decided to stay on the project.
As for the role of Josephine, that has yet to be filled. But, interestingly, Apple is apparently already in “advanced negotiations” to fix that. No word on when that will be finalized, though. We don’t know who Apple is trying to secure for the role of Bonaparte’s lover, either. That will probably change sooner rather than later, though.
Kitbag is being written by David Scarpa (All The Money in The World). Scott and Kevin Walsh will be producing through Scott’s production company, Scott Free. Production on the upcoming epic film is set to start in the first half of 2022.
As soon as we know more, we’ll be sure to pass it along.
Are you looking forward to this one?