Coppola's Megalopolis to Become Graphic Novel: A Unique Sibling, Not Mere Echo

There was no film in 2024 that sparked as much debate as Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. From the moment it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, the ambitious, visionary, and for some, bewildering epic ignited fierce conversation—drawing equal parts acclaim and criticism. Now, Coppola is expanding the world of Megalopolis beyond the screen with the upcoming release of a graphic novel adaptation.

Titled Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel, the book will be published by Abrams ComicArts in October, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Written by Chris Ryall, known for his adaptations of works by genre legends like Stephen King, Harlan Ellison, and Clive Barker, the graphic novel will feature artwork by Jacob Phillips, acclaimed for his work on 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 shared in a statement.

“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 in a reimagined modern America called New Rome, Megalopolis follows an idealistic architect, played by Adam Driver, who envisions building a futuristic utopia. His ambitions put him on a collision course with the city’s powerful mayor, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito, who will stop at nothing to crush the architect’s dream of transforming the decaying metropolis into the revolutionary city of Megalopolis—a narrative steeped in the themes of Roman mythology and societal rebirth.

While the film is not currently available on streaming platforms, it can be rented or purchased through major digital movie retailers.