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

In 2024, no film sparked as much debate and division as Francis Ford Coppola's *Megalopolis*. This audacious, unique, and, to some, bizarre epic took the spotlight right after its premiere at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival. As the year unfolded, it became a focal point of both acclaim and criticism. Now, Coppola is set to bring this 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 contributions to *Newburn* and *That Texas Blood*.

Coppola expressed his satisfaction with 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* follows the journey of a visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is determined to construct a utopian city. His ambition pits him against the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who opposes 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.