Coppola's Megalopolis to Become Graphic Novel: A Unique Sibling, Not Mere Echo

In 2024, no film stirred as much controversy and discussion as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This audacious, unconventional, and to some, perplexing epic became the focal point of heated debates right after its debut at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival, attracting both fervent admiration and sharp criticism throughout the year. Now, the visionary director is bringing the narrative to life in a different medium, with Megalopolis set to be released as a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, this adaptation will be published by Abrams ComicArts in October, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The graphic novel is being written 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 emphasized the creative freedom and parallel expression that art embodies, praising the work of Ryall, Phillips, and the Abrams ComicArts team.

Megalopolis tells the story of a visionary architect, played by Adam Driver, who is driven by a destiny to construct a utopian city. However, his ambitious project to transform New Rome into Megalopolis draws the ire of the city's mayor, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his plans. This narrative unfolds as a modern Roman fable.

While the film itself is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various digital platforms where movies are sold.