Ridley Scott Rewrote 'Napoleon' Script Because of Joaquin Phoenix

Ridley Scott is one of the best directors, but filming a historical drama is not an easy task even for him. Especially when Joaquin Phoenix plays the lead role. Both of them reunited on the set of the new film "Napoleon" after they released "Gladiator" in 2000. Speaking to Empire magazine, the 85-year-old filmmaker admitted that he had to rewrite David Scarpa's script to better highlight the actor's talent.

"Joaquin can be as unusual as you can imagine. Not intentionally, but based on intuition. That's what drives him. If something bothers him, he will let you know," Ridley said. "He made special by constantly asking questions." Scott had to rewrite the script when Joaquin shared with him that he felt "uncomfortable" with certain aspects of the story. "We paused filming to help him focus on who Bonaparte was. I had to respect it because it was incredibly constructive. It helped us all grow and be better."

Despite the changes, Scott speaks of Phoenix with enthusiasm. "With Napoleon, we took the plunge and found the hero, or got closer to who he was," the director said. "Joaquin is possibly the most special, deep actor I've ever worked with." Napoleon is slated to premiere on Apple TV+ in 2023.