"Megalopolis" emerged as one of the most momentous swings in 2024, with Oscar-adorned filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola dedicating decades of his life to its conception and wagering tens of millions of his own funds on a venture he harbored dreams of becoming an enduring testament to his legacy. It narrated the tale of the obsessive architect, Cesar Catilina (portrayed by Adam Driver), who harbored aspirations of crafting a utopian metropolis but found himself locked in a bitter struggle with Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito). The film was, to put it mildly, a divisive specter. It stumbled at the box office and garnered a mixed bag of reviews, yet it undeniably ignited conversations, catapulting it into the limelight as one of Hollywood's most debated films of the previous year.
Now, the mind behind "The Godfather" will witness his work undergo a reimagining in the form of "Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel." Penning this literary endeavor is Chris Ryall, whose career has been marked by adapting the works of authors such as Stephen King, Clive Barker, and Harlan Ellison. Jacob Phillips, renowned for his contributions to "That Texas Blood" and "Newburn," lent his artistic prowess to the project, with Abrams ComicArts plotting an October release for this graphic novel.
"I was elated to entrust the idea of a graphic novel to the capable hands of Chris Ryall, with the understanding that, though inspired by my film 'Megalopolis,' it need not be shackled by it," Coppola expressed in a statement. "My hope was that the graphic novel would soar on its own wings, fueled by its own creators, making it a sibling to the film rather than a mere echo. I believe Chris, Jacob Phillips, and the team at Abrams ComicArts have accomplished just that. It reinforces my belief that art cannot be contained but is an ever-evolving expression, a treasure trove we bestow upon our patrons, audiences, and readers."
Ryall shared that "Coppola's storytelling challenged and ignited my imagination at every turn," adding that "collaborating with Jacob Phillips infused new layers of depth into the narrative. Alongside Abrams ComicArts, we've crafted something that both pays homage to and broadens the universe of the original film."
Phillips stated, "'Megalopolis' is a colossal, breathtaking saga that compelled me to push the boundaries of my artwork to meet its towering demands."
Joseph Montagne, publisher at Abrams, said, "Coppola's storytelling prowess, combined with Ryall's writing and Phillips' dynamic artistry, positions 'Megalopolis' as a genuine milestone in the graphic novel literary landscape."
"Megalopolis" boasted an ensemble cast that included Nathalie Emmanuel, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, and Aubrey Plaza. It premiered at Cannes last year, greeted by a ten-minute standing ovation.
At a press conference the morning following its debut, Coppola addressed his personal investment in the $120 million project: "The money is of little consequence. What truly matters are the friends. A friend will never desert you. The money may dissipate, but the friendships endure."
