Vanessa Kirby Portrays a 'Shape-Shifting' Josephine in Ridley Scott's 'Napoleon'

Kirby's portrayal of the complex and mercurial Joséphine Bonaparte explores the deep, unfulfilled love between her and Napoleon.

Vanessa Kirby stars as Joséphine Bonaparte in Ridley Scott's new film 'Napoleon', a role she took over at short notice after Jodie Comer dropped out.
Kirby describes Josephine as a 'shape-shifter' and 'chameleonic', with a mercurial energy that was challenging to embody as an actor.
The film explores the complex and unconventional relationship between Napoleon and Josephine, which Kirby believes was marked by a deep, unfulfilled love.
Kirby's preparation for the role involved extensive reading and visits to Josephine's historical residences and tomb.
Despite their divorce, Napoleon remained attached to Josephine, a quality Kirby attributes to her 'unknowable' nature.