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

In 2024, no film sparked as much debate as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This bold, unique, and to some, bizarre epic became the center of attention right after its premiere at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival. Throughout the year, it drew both praise and criticism in equal measure. Now, the visionary filmmaker is bringing the story to life in a new medium, as Megalopolis is set to be released as a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, the 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 such as 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 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 determined to construct a modern utopian city. His vision, however, puts him at odds with the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is intent on thwarting his plans 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.