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 audacious, unconventional, and, to some, peculiar epic became the focal point of discussions right after its premiere at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival. As the year unfolded, it garnered both acclaim and criticism. Now, the visionary director is set to bring this story to life in a different medium: Megalopolis is slated to be released as a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, the book will be published by Abrams ComicArts in October, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. The adaptation will be penned by Chris Ryall, renowned for his work on adaptations of major genre writers like 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.

“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 shared in a statement to 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 tells the story of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is determined to construct a modern utopian city. His ambition, however, puts him at odds with the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his plans to transform New Rome—a nod to its Roman fable roots—into Megalopolis.

While the film is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various movie platforms.