March 9, 2022 1.28 pm This story is over 25 months old

Lincoln filming prep begins for Napoleon movie starring Joaquin Phoenix

The film is directed by Ridley Scott

Site preparation has begun at Lincoln Cathedral ahead of the filming of Ridley Scott's new film about Napoleon Bonaparte. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Road closures and parking restrictions are now in place in Lincoln as preparations begin for the filming of Ridley Scott’s new Napoleon Bonaparte movie, starring Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirkby.

The film had been due to be called Kitbag, although there is speculation the title could yet change to Napoleon. Joaquin Phoenix will play Napoleon Bonaparte, with Vanessa Kirby as Empress Josephine after the actress replaced Jodie Comer who was originally cast for the role.

Scenes from the film will be shot at Lincoln Cathedral with site preparation taking place between Wednesday, March 9 and Wednesday, March 16 (7am to 7pm daily). Several lorries were seen in the area near Lincoln Cathedral, with pink signs including directions to the ‘set’ now in place.

Lorries delivering filming materials to the set. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

This way to the set! | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Scenes from the film will be shot at Lincoln Cathedral. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Filming will happen between 7am and 7pm on Thursday, March 17 and Friday, March 18. Overnight set dressing will take place between 7pm on March 17 and 7am the following day.

Minster Yard will be closed from March 15 to 19. In addition, parking bays along Eastgate will also be suspended between March 9 and 24. Westgate car park will be closed from March 9 to March 24 inclusive.

Westgate car park is closed between March 9 and 24. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Parking bays along Eastgate have been suspended. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Preparations have begun ahead of filming. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Disruption is expected along Eastgate due to the parking suspensions. Although Greestone Place will be open as usual, there could be some added disruption along that road too.

The area will then be returned back to the way it was before filming, with a lengthy breaking-down process happening between Saturday, March 19 to Thursday, March 24 (7am to 7pm daily apart from the Sunday when there will be no restrictions).

Saint Hugh on top of the turret as you look at the front of Lincoln Cathedral. | Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Two 10 Casting previously issued a casting call for paid extras for ‘project Marengo’. Marengo was also the name of a battle fought in June 1800 between French forces under the First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte and Austrian forces near the city of Alessandria, in Piedmont, Italy.

According to IMDB, Youssef Kerkour, Liam Edwards, Tahar Rahim, and Mamie Barry will also be in the cast, and the movie will reportedly be released in 2023.