In 2024, no film stirred as much controversy and debate as Francis Ford Coppola's *Megalopolis*. From its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival to the ongoing discussions throughout the year, this bold and unconventional epic has been both celebrated and criticized. Now, Coppola is set to bring the story to life in a new medium: 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 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*.
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, “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, played by Adam Driver, who is determined to build a modern utopian city. His ambitious project, however, puts him at odds with the city's mayor, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, who is intent on thwarting his plans to transform New Rome into Megalopolis. The narrative draws inspiration from Roman fables, adding depth and historical context to the contemporary setting.
While the film is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various digital platforms where movies are sold.
