Ridley Scott has slammed TV historian Dan Snow for his criticism of his upcoming historical epic Napoleon.
Snow, 44, has noted historical inaccuracies in the $200 million film, which stars Joaquin Phoenix as the French military commander.
The historian pointed out that Napoleon did not fight at the pyramids and never witnessed the execution of Marie Antoinette.
Snow also took issue with the film’s tagline, “He came from nothing, he conquered everything,” because Napoleon never conquered Britain.
‘I like historical epics. I love Ridley Scott. But if you watch this film, it’s not a documentary,” Snow said.
Criticism: Ridley Scott has criticized TV historian Dan Snow for his criticism of his upcoming historical epic Napoleon
Blockbuster: Snow, 44, picked up on historical inaccuracies in the $200 million film that stars Joaquin Phoenix as French military commander
However, Ridley didn’t have much time for Snow’s criticism, as he told him to “get a life” in an interview with The New Yorker.
While Snow may not have been impressed, Ridley’s military advisor on the film, former paratrooper Paul Biddiss, insisted that the director put great care into the project.
“Uniformity is very important at Ridley – right down to the boys, who make sure their hats are straight,” he said.
Napoleon Bonaparte, later known by his regnal name Napoleon I, was a Corsica-born French military commander and political leader.
He rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led successful campaigns during the Revolutionary Wars.
The film explores Napoleon’s rise to power through his relationship with his wife Josephine.
Phoenix will star opposite Vanessa Kirby, who played Princess Margaret in The Crown, after Killing Eve star Jodie Comer had to withdraw.
It also marks the first time Phoenix has reunited with director Sir Ridley Scott since starring in Gladiator in 2000.
Firing back: Ridley didn’t have much time for Snow’s criticism, though, as he told him to “get a life” in an interview with The New Yorker
Project: The film explores Napoleon’s rise to power through his relationship with his wife Josephine
The film was previously called Kitbag, which referred to the saying, “There is a general’s staff hidden in every soldier’s equipment.”
The expression means that it is possible for any soldier to become a general.
Speaking about the film, Sir Ridley said: ‘Napoleon is a man I have always been fascinated by.
‘He came from nowhere to rule everything, but in the meantime he waged a romantic war with his adulterous wife Josephine.
“He conquered the world to win its love, and when he couldn’t, he conquered the world to destroy it.
‘No actor could ever embody Napoleon quite like Joaquin.’
Napoleon hits theaters on Wednesday, November 22.