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

The year 2024 saw no film as polarizing as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This audacious, unconventional, and, to some, eccentric epic immediately captured widespread attention following its premiere at last year's Cannes Film Festival. As the year unfolded, Megalopolis sparked both fervent admiration and sharp criticism. Now, the visionary director is set to unveil the story in a new medium: a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, this adaptation is slated for release in October by Abrams ComicArts, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The graphic novel 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, acclaimed for his contributions to Newburn and That Texas Blood.

In a statement to the outlet, Coppola expressed his enthusiasm for the project: “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 artistic freedom of the project, stating, “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 follows the journey of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by a mission to construct a modern utopian city. His ambitious plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis put him at odds with the city’s mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his efforts. This narrative unfolds as a contemporary Roman fable.

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