Coppola's Megalopolis Expands to Graphic Novel: 'Sibling, Not Echo'

2024 saw the release of Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis, a film that stirred intense debate and polarized audiences right from its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. The ambitious and unconventional epic became a focal point of both acclaim and criticism throughout the year. Now, the visionary director is set to expand the story's reach by releasing it as a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, the book will hit the shelves in October, published by Abrams ComicArts. The narrative 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 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 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, played by Adam Driver, who is determined to construct a modern utopian city. His ambitious plans, however, put him at odds with the city's mayor, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart the architect's dream of transforming New Rome into Megalopolis. The narrative draws inspiration from Roman fables, adding a unique layer to the story.

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