Coppola's Megalopolis Expands as Graphic Novel

No 2024 film sparked more debate than Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This ambitious, unconventional, and—to many—peculiar epic became an instant talking point after its premiere at last year's Cannes Film Festival, drawing both acclaim and criticism throughout the year. Now, the director is presenting the story in a new medium, with Megalopolis slated for release as a graphic novel.

The reinterpretation will be titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel. Abrams ComicArts is set to publish the book in October, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Chris Ryall, renowned for adapting works by major genre authors like Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker, will write the graphic novel. Illustrations will be handled by Jacob Phillips, known for his work on Newburn and That Texas Blood.

"I was happy to entrust the graphic novel concept to Chris Ryall, with the understanding that while inspired by my film Megalopolis, it wouldn't be bound by it. I hoped it would evolve independently through its own artists and writer, making it a sibling to the film, not merely a reflection," Coppola said in a statement to the outlet.

"That's precisely what Chris, Jacob Phillips, and the team at Abrams ComicArts have achieved. It reinforces my belief that art cannot be confined, but instead exists as a parallel expression, part of the rich offerings we can provide to our patrons, audiences, and readers."

Megalopolis centers on a visionary architect (Adam Driver) convinced it is his fate to construct a utopian city for the modern age. In doing so, he incurs the wrath of the city's mayor (Giancarlo Esposito), who is determined to thwart his plans to transform New Rome—a setting that evokes a Roman fable—into the futuristic Megalopolis.

The film is not currently available on streaming services but can be rented or purchased through major digital movie retailers.