‘Megalopolis’ Lands U.S. Distribution with Lionsgate

The director’s new passion project, which appeared to be struggling to find support from the big studios, has also scored lots of deals internationally.

Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' is scheduled for release on September 27, 2024.

Preview:

Francis Ford Coppola has made a deal with Lionsgate to release ‘Megalopolis’.
The filmmaker’s passion project stars Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito and Nathalie Emmanuel.
Coppola poured millions of his own money into making the movie.

Given how much time and money Francis Ford Coppola had poured into making his latest passion project, the epic known as ‘Megalopolis’, things were looking a little grim.

Coppola, the man behind movies such as ‘The Godfather’ trilogy and ‘Apocalypse Now’ had been looking to bring ‘Megalopolis’ to life for years but hadn’t found anyone to invest fully.

So the filmmaker went ahead and sold a chunk of his vineyard business to drum up the cash himself, tracking down a cast and getting under way.

Then came reports of trouble on set, with effects issues and even accusations of inappropriate behavior by the director (an issue which has yet to be settled either way).

Megalopolis

"If you can't see a better future, build one."

R2 hr 18 minSep 27th, 2024

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch Megalopolis Online

Finally, Coppola finished the film and screened it for potential distributors in Los Angeles, to reportedly zero interest. He scored a slot at Cannes and that has sparked wildly divisive reviews, many calling out its gonzo storytelling and performances.

Yet after the festival screening, there has been a big turnaround in the movie’s fortunes, Coppola securing a raft of international distribution deals across the world.

And today brings word that Lionsgate has scored a deal to distribute the movie here in the States, and to handle its home entertainment release.

What’s the story of ‘Megalopolis’?

(L to R) Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in 'Megalopolis'. Photo: Lionsgate.

The fate of Rome haunts a modern world (and a city that’s essentially an alternate New York) unable to solve its own social problems in this epic story of political ambition, genius, and conflicting interests.

‘Megalopolis’ essential clash is between Cesar (Adam Driver), a genius artist who seeks to leap into a utopian, idealistic future, and his opposition, Mayor Franklyn Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), who remains committed to a regressive status quo, perpetuating greed, special interests, and partisan warfare.

Caught between the two? Franklyn’s socialite daughter and Cesar’s love interest, Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), who, tired of the influence she inherited, searches for her life’s meaning.

Who else is in ‘Megalopolis’?

Jon Voight as Byrne in 'The Painter.' Photo: Republic Pictures.

Coppola has rounded up quite the ensemble for this one. Surrounding the three leads are Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, Kathryn Hunter, Grace VanderWaal, Chloe Fineman, James Remar, D. B. Sweeney, Isabelle Kusman, Bailey Ives, Madeleine Gardella and Dustin Hoffman.

‘Megalopolis’ Domestic Release: Coppola Speaks

Director Frances Ford Coppola at the 50th Anniversary of 'The Godfather' event and historic street naming ceremony the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, CA on February 22nd, 2022. Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Paramount Pictures.

Here’s the statement the director released about the new deal:

“One rule of business I’ve always followed and prioritized (to my benefit) is to continue working with companies and teams who over time have proven to be good friends as well as great collaborators. This is why I am thrilled to have Adam Fogelson and Lionsgate Studios release ‘Megalopolis’. I am confident they will apply the same tender love and care given to ‘Apocalypse Now’, which is currently in its 45th year of astounding revenue and appreciation.”

And here’s Lionsgate boss Adam Fogelson’s comment:

“Francis is a legend. For many of us, his gifts to cinema were one of the inspirations to devote our own careers to film. It is a true privilege to work with him, and to bring this incredible, audacious, and utterly unique movie to theatrical audiences. At Lionsgate, we strive to be a home for bold and daring artists, and ‘Megalopolis’ proves there is no one more bold or daring than the maestro, Francis Ford Coppola.”

When will ‘Megalopolis’ be in a theater near me?

Lionsgate has set a September 27th release date for the movie.

Al Pacino, Francis Ford Coppola and Robert De Niro onstage during the 50th anniversary tribute of “The Godfather” at the live ABC telecast of the 94th Oscars® at the Dolby Theatre at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, CA, on Sunday, March 27, 2022.