First look image of Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded feature Megalopolis revealed after landing Cannes competition berth
Megalopolis, directed, written, and produced by Francis Ford Coppola, has unveiled its first official image following its selection for competition at Cannes.
The film delves into the reconstruction of a metropolis that has fallen into decay, with conflicting visions from idealist architect Cesar Catilina (played by Adam Driver) and corrupt Mayor Frank Cicero (portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito).
In the revealed image, Driver’s character is seen contemplating the rebuilding of New Rome, with Nathalie Emmanuel’s character, Julia Cicero, observing. Megalopolis is presented as a modern American tale structured like a Roman epic fable.
The narrative unfolds as Julia Cicero finds herself torn between the two opposing visions of Catilina and her father, Mayor Cicero, as they clash in their efforts to reshape the city.
Set to premiere at Cannes on May 17, the project has been a passion project for Coppola, who initiated its development in 1983. The film’s production reportedly cost around $120 million, partly financed by the sale of a portion of Coppola’s wine empire.
With an ensemble cast including Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Jason Schwartzman, and Talia Shire, Megalopolis has attracted attention from industry figures like Universal’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos, and Sony’s Tom Rothman.
While still seeking distribution, Coppola has expressed interest in an Imax release for the film. Anahid Nazarian, Barrie Osborne, and Darren Demetre are credited as executive producers alongside Coppola, Fred Roos, Barry Hirsch, and Michael Bederman as producers.
