The release of Francis Ford Coppola's *Megalopolis* in 2024 sparked a whirlwind of debate and discussion. This bold, unique, and to some, bizarre epic captured the attention of audiences and critics alike from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last year. As opinions ranged from high praise to sharp criticism throughout the year, Coppola is now expanding the universe of *Megalopolis* by releasing it as a graphic novel.
Titled *Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel*, this reinterpretation is set to hit the shelves in October, published by Abrams ComicArts. The graphic novel will be penned by Chris Ryall, renowned for his adaptations of works by Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker, and illustrated by Jacob Phillips, known for his contributions to *Newburn* and *That Texas Blood*.
Coppola expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “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.” He further emphasized the boundless nature of art, noting, “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* tells the story of a visionary architect, played by Adam Driver, who is determined to create a utopian city. His ambitious plan to transform New Rome into Megalopolis puts him at odds with the city's mayor, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his efforts. This narrative is set within a modern-day Roman fable.
While the film is not available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased through various movie platforms.
