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

If you're a fan of groundbreaking cinema, you might recall the buzz surrounding Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024 and quickly became a topic of both admiration and debate. Now, the legendary director is bringing this ambitious vision to life in a new medium—a graphic novel.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, this adaptation is set to release through Abrams ComicArts in October, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Chris Ryall, known for his adaptations of works by renowned authors such as Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker, will pen the script. The illustrations will be crafted by Jacob Phillips, whose portfolio includes Newburn and That Texas Blood.

In a statement, Coppola expressed excitement over the project: “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 continued, “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.”

Set against the backdrop of a Roman fable, Megalopolis follows an idealistic architect (played by Adam Driver) determined to construct a modern utopia. However, his ambitions clash with the city’s mayor (Giancarlo Esposito), who seeks to crush his vision of transforming New Rome into Megalopolis. While the film isn’t currently streaming, it remains available for rent or purchase wherever movies are distributed.