Ridley Scott’s highly anticipated film, Napoleon, has achieved a significant milestone by crossing the $200M mark globally. This impressive feat was achieved with Tuesday’s box office numbers included. The biographical epic chronicles the captivating story of the titular military leader and his remarkable rise to Emperor. Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, and Tahar Rahim, the film has captivated audiences around the world.
A Global Triumph
Napoleon’s worldwide box office tally stands at an impressive $200.7M, with $141.1M generated from the international market. The film’s international success has surpassed the lifetime earnings of other notable films, including Elvis, Killers of the Flower Moon, and Scott’s own House of Gucci. Overseas viewers have embraced the film, making it a resounding success.
As anticipated, Napoleon’s strongest performance comes from European markets. The United Kingdom leads with an outstanding $16.7M, followed closely by France with $14.4M. Germany, Spain, and Italy have also contributed significantly, with earnings of $10.9M, $10.1M, and $8.4M, respectively. The film’s popularity extends beyond Europe, with Mexico, Australia, Netherlands, China, and Brazil rounding out the top ten markets.
An Unconventional Marketing Strategy
Sony Pictures, in collaboration with Apple Original Films, undertook an unconventional marketing strategy for Napoleon. The film premiered globally, starting with a world premiere in Paris, followed by premieres in the United Kingdom and Madrid, held at the esteemed Prado museum. The presence of the film’s stars on red carpets undoubtedly helped generate buzz and interest. Despite facing some harsh reviews, Napoleon managed to draw in audiences, including a mature demographic, who flocked to theaters to experience the captivating story.
Future Streaming Success
Following its theatrical run, Napoleon will have a global streaming release on Apple TV+. With the support of Apple’s platform, the film is poised to reach an even wider audience and continue its success as it becomes available to viewers worldwide. The combination of theatrical success and subsequent streaming availability ensures that Napoleon’s impact will extend far beyond its initial release.
The distribution and production of Napoleon involved a collaboration between Sony Pictures and Apple Original Films. Sony, responsible for distribution, negotiated a deal believed to be around 8% of the box office revenue. Apple, in turn, supported the marketing costs. Sony recoups its marketing expenses first before sharing any profits with Apple. Fortunately, given the solid ticket sales both domestically and internationally, it is unlikely that Apple will need to cover any marketing shortfalls.
Ridley Scott’s Napoleon has proven to be a global triumph, surpassing the $200M mark at the box office. With its captivating storytelling, stellar cast, and unconventional marketing strategy, the film has resonated with audiences worldwide. As it transitions to streaming on Apple TV+, Napoleon is poised to continue captivating viewers and cementing its place as a critical and commercial success.