Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis Story Will Expand Into a Graphic Novel: 'A Sibling of The Film, Rather Than Just An Echo'

In 2024, no film stirred as much debate and discussion as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This audacious, unconventional, and polarizing epic became the center of attention following its debut at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival, drawing both fervent acclaim and sharp criticism throughout the year. Now, the visionary director is set to bring the story to life in a new medium, with Megalopolis slated to be released as a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, this adaptation 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 praised the creative team, 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 follows the journey of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by a destiny to construct a utopian city. However, his ambitions clash with the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart 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.