In 2024, no movie sparked as much debate and division as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This bold and unique epic became the talk of the town following its premiere at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival, drawing both fervent praise and sharp criticism throughout the year. Now, the visionary filmmaker is set to expand the universe of Megalopolis by releasing it as a graphic novel.
Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, the adaptation will be published by Abrams ComicArts in October, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The graphic novel will be penned by Chris Ryall, known for his adaptations of works by Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker. The illustrations will be crafted by Jacob Phillips, whose notable works include Newburn and That Texas Blood.
“I was pleased to put the idea of a graphic novel in the competent hands of Chris Ryall with the idea that, although it was inspired by my film Megalopolis, it didn’t necessarily have to be limited by it. I hoped the graphic novel would take its own flight, with its own artists and writer so that it would be a sibling of the film, rather than just an echo,” Coppola stated in an interview with the outlet.
“That’s what I feel Chris, Jacob Phillips, and the team at Abrams ComicArts have accomplished. It confirms my feeling that art can never be constrained, but rather always a parallel expression, and part of the bounty we can make available to our patrons, audiences, and readers.”
Megalopolis centers on a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by the belief that it is his destiny to construct a modern utopian city. However, his ambitious plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis pit him against the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his vision. This narrative unfolds as a modern-day Roman fable.
While the film is not available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various digital movie platforms.
