"Coppola's Megalopolis Expands into Graphic Novel, Not Just a Film Echo"

In 2024, no film sparked as much debate and division as Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. This audacious, unconventional, and to some, eccentric epic became the center of attention following its debut at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival, drawing both acclaim and criticism throughout the year. Now, Coppola is set to bring this narrative to a new medium with the release of Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, scheduled for publication by Abrams ComicArts in October, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The graphic novel adaptation will be penned by Chris Ryall, renowned for his adaptations of works by Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker. The illustrations will be crafted by Jacob Phillips, known for his work on Newburn and That Texas Blood.

Coppola expressed his enthusiasm about 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, saying, “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, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is determined to construct a modern utopian city. His ambitious project pits him against the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is intent on thwarting his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. The narrative unfolds as a contemporary Roman fable.

While the film is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various movie platforms.