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

In 2024, no movie sparked as much debate and division as Francis Ford Coppola's *Megalopolis*. This bold, unique, and to some, bizarre epic became the focal point of discussions immediately following its premiere at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival. As the year unfolded, the film garnered both fervent praise and sharp criticism. Now, the visionary filmmaker is set to bring the story to audiences in a new format: 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 genre giants like Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker. The illustrations will be crafted by Jacob Phillips, known for his work on *Newburn* and *That Texas Blood*.

“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,” Coppola stated in an interview with the outlet.

“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 forward-thinking architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by the belief that it is his destiny to construct a modern utopian city. However, his ambitious vision to transform New Rome into *Megalopolis* pits him against the city’s mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his plans. This narrative unfolds as a modern-day Roman fable.

While the film is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various digital platforms where you typically acquire movies.