Coppola's Megalopolis Expands into Graphic Novel: A Unique Sibling, Not Mere Echo

There was no movie released in 2024 that sparked as much debate as Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis. This bold, unique, and to some, bizarre epic became the talk of the town right after its premiere at the previous year's Cannes Film Festival. As the year went on, it garnered both fervent praise and sharp criticism. Now, the acclaimed filmmaker is set to bring this story to fans in a new form: a graphic novel.

The reinterpretation of the film, titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, is slated for release in October by Abrams ComicArts, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The graphic novel will be penned by Chris Ryall, known for his adaptations of works by major genre writers such as Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker. The illustrations will be crafted by Jacob Phillips, whose portfolio includes 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 a comment to 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 visionary architect, portrayed by Adam Driver, who is driven by a destiny to construct a modern utopian city. His ambitious plans, however, put him at odds with the city's mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito, who is determined to thwart his efforts to transform New Rome — a nod to the film's Roman fable theme — into Megalopolis.

While the film itself is not currently available for streaming, it can be rented or purchased from various movie platforms.