Coppola's Megalopolis Expands into Graphic Novel: A Sibling, Not an Echo

In 2024, no film stirred as much controversy and debate as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This audacious and unconventional epic became the focal point of discussions right after its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last year. As the year unfolded, the film garnered both acclaim and criticism in equal measure. Now, Coppola is expanding the universe of Megalopolis by transforming it into a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, the book is slated for release in October by Abrams ComicArts, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The adaptation is being penned by Chris Ryall, renowned for his work on adaptations of works by Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker. The illustrations will be brought to life by Jacob Phillips, known for his contributions to Newburn and That Texas Blood.

Coppola expressed his satisfaction with 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 boundless nature of art, 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 tells the story of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is determined to construct a modern utopian city. His ambitious project, however, puts him at odds with the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is intent on thwarting his efforts to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. 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 movie platforms.