In 2024, no film sparked as much debate as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This bold, unique, and, to some, bizarre epic captured the spotlight immediately after its premiere at last year's Cannes Film Festival, fueling discussions and dividing opinions throughout the year. Now, the visionary filmmaker is set to bring the story to life in a new format: a graphic novel.
Titled Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, this reinterpretation will be published by Abrams ComicArts in October, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The graphic novel 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, whose portfolio includes Newburn and That Texas Blood.
Coppola expressed his satisfaction with 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 elaborated, "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 narrates the tale of a forward-thinking architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by a destiny to construct a modern utopian city. His ambitious plans clash with the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his vision of transforming New Rome into Megalopolis. This story is set within a Roman fable framework.
While the film is not currently available to stream, it can be rented or purchased from various movie platforms.
