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

In 2024, no film stirred as much controversy and discussion as Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. This audacious, distinctive, and, to some, peculiar cinematic epic captured the spotlight right from its debut at the previous year’s Cannes Film Festival, sparking a year-long debate filled with both acclaim and criticism. Now, Coppola is set to reimagine this story in a new medium with the upcoming release of a graphic novel adaptation.

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 is being 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 shared 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 elaborated on the broader implications of artistic expression, 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 narrates the tale of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by a destiny to construct a modern utopian city. His ambitions, however, clash with the city’s mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. This narrative is framed as a modern-day Roman fable.

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