In 2024, no film stirred as much debate as Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis." This audacious, unconventional, and polarizing epic became the centerpiece of discussions right after its debut at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival, eliciting both acclaim and criticism throughout the year. Now, Coppola is set to bring this story to audiences in a new format: a graphic novel.
Titled "Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel," the project will be published by Abrams ComicArts and is slated for release in October, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The graphic novel will be penned by Chris Ryall, renowned for his adaptations of works by genre giants such as 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 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 added, “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, however, pits him against the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is intent on thwarting his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. This narrative is framed as a modern-day Roman fable.
While the film itself is not available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various movie platforms.
