Acclaimed actress Jodie Comer is reportedly due to take on the role of Napoleon Bonaparte’s beloved wife Josephine in Ridley Scott’s upcoming spectacle Kitbag.
The pair had the opportunity to work closely in Scott’s latest film The Last Duel, which wrapped at the end of 2020 and is due to be released later this year. It’s been reported that Scott was blown away by her work during production, hence the promising likelihood that this will be their next project together.
Deadline first revealed last October that Kitbag is set to star Oscar winner Joaquin Phoenix in the leading role as French military leader and emperor Napoleon. Scott and Phoenix have also worked together in the past, they’ll be reuniting decades after their epic classic Gladiator. According to Deadline and their initial release of information, the film is set to follow “Napoleon from his origins through to becoming emperor,” exploring the story of his ruthless climb to get there. All the while giving insight into his relationship with wife Josephine—their loving bond as well as its addictive and regularly volatile side.
The film’s title stems from the saying “There is a general’s staff hidden in every soldier’s kitbag”, and plans to capture Napoleon’s famous battles alongside the great ambition and tactical mind of such an unforgettable leader and war visionary. It’s due to be produced by Apple Studios, written by David Scarpa and produced by Scott and Kevin Walsh through Scott’s own production company Scott Free. Filming is expected to begin after Scott has wrapped on crime thriller House of Gucci, starring Lady Gaga.
Although insiders report that the deal making process is still underway and nothing is yet certain around Comer’s cast appearance, Deadline states that it’s very likely to happen as sources have confirmed that she is Scott’s “first choice for the role.” Comer is set to have a busy and exciting year, expecting to film the fourth season of award winning series Killing Eve . Fans can also look forward to the premiere of films The Last Duel and action comedy Free Guy, both of which feature Comer.
After winning both a BAFTA and an Emmy for her role as Villanelle in the hit series Killing Eve, Comer continues to impress with every role she takes on, let’s hope Josephine is next in line.
Words by Danielle Saunders
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