Coppola's Megalopolis to Become Graphic Novel: 'Sibling, Not Echo' of Film

In 2024, no film stirred as much controversy and discussion as Francis Ford Coppola's "Megalopolis." This audacious, singular, and to some, peculiar epic became the focal point of intense debate right after its debut at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival. The film continued to spark both admiration and criticism throughout the year. Now, Coppola is set to bring this story to life in a new medium: a graphic novel.

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 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 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 artistic freedom, 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 journey of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by the belief that it is his destiny to construct a modern utopian city. However, his ambitions clash with the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. The film, a modern-day Roman fable, is currently unavailable for streaming but can be rented or purchased from various movie platforms.