In 2024, Francis Ford Coppola’s film Megalopolis emerged as one of the most polarizing cinematic experiences of the year. Following its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, the bold and unconventional epic sparked intense debates, drawing both fervent admiration and sharp criticism. Now, the visionary director is set to expand the narrative into a new medium with the release of a graphic novel adaptation.
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 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 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 determined to construct a utopian city. His ambition, however, pits him against the city’s mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is intent on thwarting his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. This story unfolds as a modern-day Roman fable.
While the film is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased through various movie platforms.
