Joaquin Phoenix undergoes impressive transformation as fiery-tempered Napoleon Bonaparte to film Sir Ridley Scott’s new blockbuster in London

Joaquin Phoenix got into character as the 18th century French leader (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com/Getty Images)

Joaquin Phoenix has proved once again he’s a master of his craft as he cut a very noble figure in character as Napoleon Bonaparte for the first time for Sir Ridley Scott’s forthcoming epic film.

The actor had every air and grace about him as he transformed into the French leader for his new film, which is set for release next year – and safe to say, he couldn’t have come further from his Joker days.

Pictured on set in South East London, as Greenwich was transformed into 18th century France, Joaquin looked completely the part in navy military regalia, complete with golden trimming.

The 47-year-old, who measures a little taller at five foot eight than the famously diminutive Napoleon was believed to be, looked a little surly in various shots as he portrayed the fiery-tempered leader.

Pictured amid horses and carriages, with French flags draping the buildings, Greenwich was also transformed, with plenty of actors and extras out in force.

In more shots, masked-up crew members were seen grappling with equipment as they discussed the shots.

Joaquin suited up as the military leader (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

He got into character as the fiery-tempered Napoleon (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

Cast and crew looked hard at work on set in East London (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

The historical drama, simply titled Napoleon, will follow the leader’s relationship with his wife Josephine and his climb to power.

The Crown’s Vanessa Kirby will star opposite the actor, after Jodie Comer pulled out.

Meanwhile, filmmaker Sir Ridley will direct, with the pair reuniting after they worked on Gladiator together.

Greenwich was transformed into 18th century France (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

Joaquin’s reuniting with director Sir Ridley Scott (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

The film will be released next year (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

Sir Ridley previously told Deadline of the film: ‘Napoleon is a man I’ve always been fascinated by. 

‘He came out of nowhere to rule everything – but all the while he was waging a romantic war with his adulterous wife Josephine.

‘He conquered the world to try to win her love, and when he couldn’t, he conquered it to destroy her.

The set was transformed (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

Joaquin will star alongside Vanessa Kirby (Picture: Click News / Goff / SplashNews.com)

The film willl follow Napoleon’s relationship with his wife and his rise to power (Picture: Getty)

‘No actor could ever embody Napoleon like Joaquin.’

No pressure!

Napoleon was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the French Revolution, building a large empire that ruled over continental Europe before its collapse in 1815.

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He’s often thought of as being particularly short, measuring about five foot two by French pre-metric measures. However, in modern-day measurements, it’s thought he would have been around five foot five which was only slightly below average height for a man at the time.

Joaquin follows in the footsteps of actors like Rod Steiger, Vladislav Strzhelchik, and Charles Boyer, who have also played Napoleon.

Napoleon is set for release on Apple TV+ next year.

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