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

In 2024, no film stirred as much debate as Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. This bold and unique epic, which some found bizarre, became the center of both praise and criticism following its premiere at the previous year’s Cannes Film Festival. The buzz around the movie only grew as the year went on. Now, the visionary director is bringing the story to fans in a new format: a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, this reinterpretation is set to be released 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 major genre writers such as 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 praised the work of Ryall, Phillips, and the Abrams ComicArts team, saying, “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 forward-thinking architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is determined to build a modern utopian city. However, his vision clashes with the city’s mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is intent on thwarting his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. This narrative draws inspiration from a Roman fable.

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