In its third weekend, Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” achieves a significant domestic milestone, surpassing $50 million. The historical epic, starring Joaquin Phoenix as the French leader, traces Napoleon Bonaparte’s journey, emphasizing his complex relationship with Empress Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby).
Despite hitting the $50 million milestone domestically, the film falls short globally, with a worldwide total of $170.8 million, leaving a considerable gap from its estimated $200 million budget.
Unique Positioning Among Big Budget Blockbusters
While “Napoleon” competes in the high-budget arena, comparisons with blockbusters like “Barbie” ($636.2 million domestic, $145 million budget) and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” ($325.7 million U.S. gross) highlight its distinctive challenges. However, the film surpasses Disney’s “Wish,” budgeted at $200 million but yet to breach the $50 million mark.
Streaming as the Decisive Factor
Despite financial concerns, “Napoleon” holds a unique lifeline: its streaming release on Apple TV+. The film’s success hinges on its ability to attract subscribers, transforming the theatrical run into a strategic marketing move for the streaming debut. A parallel is drawn with Amazon Studios’ “Air,” which, despite barely meeting its $90 million theatrical budget, saw significant profit through distribution on Prime Video. As “Napoleon” follows suit, the true measure of its profitability will unfold in the realm of streaming.
As the movie industry navigates evolving consumption patterns, “Napoleon” stakes its future on the digital landscape, providing an intriguing narrative of financial strategies in the age of streaming dominance.
