Eagle-eyed moviegoers will spot several Oxfordshire locations in the hotly anticipated action epic Napoleon.
The blockbuster movie from legendary director Ridley Scott charts the rise and fall of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar-winner Joaquin Phoenix.
Against a stunning backdrop, the film captures Bonaparte's relentless journey to power through the prism of his volatile relationship with his true love, Josephine played by Vanessa Kirby.
It showcases his visionary military and political tactics with what are being described as some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.
Blenheim Palace was the setting for many key scenes in the film.
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Intense battle scenes were filmed on the Blenheim Estate and in the grounds as well as romantic scenes within the Palace’s Great Hall and Library, Main Saloon and the State Rooms.
Heather Carter, managing director at Blenheim Palace, said: “We were delighted to have welcomed Sir Ridley Scott and his team and are honoured that Blenheim Palace is featured as a backdrop for what we know will be a hugely popular film.
"Not only is it a great opportunity for people to see the beautiful Palace and its grounds, which the whole team work so hard to preserve in such a unique setting, but filming like this helps provide vital income for our charity which is dedicated to funding important ongoing restoration projects and community initiatives such as our ongoing apprenticeship scheme.
“We cannot wait to see the end result when we watch the take on the classic story and such an important piece of history.”
Meanwhile a large scale period battle scene was filmed in Blewbury near Didcot where residents reported hearing gun and cannon fire.
In November 2021 the production team put a call out for ex-soldiers and young men to star as extras in the battle scenes.
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Recruits were put through an intensive three week bootcamp to ensure they were fit enough to recreate historically accurate army drills.
There were also casting calls for female extras for ball scenes.
At the time the film was called Kitbag and was due to star Killing Eve's Jodie Comer as Josephine.
A source on the set told the Oxford Mail the film would be "massive” and “bigger than 1917” - Sir Ridley's acclaimed First World War epic.
Napoleon is released on November 22 2023, by Apple Original Films and Sony Pictures.
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