Photo by Mihai Malaimare – © 2024 – American Zoetrope
Francis Ford Coppola put aside some of his personal wealth to invest in the $120 million project, Megalopolis which features Adam Driver as a man with a passion for creating a utopian city. After it premiered at Cannes last month, Megalopolis, a $120 million epic production directed by Francis Ford Coppola, will be released stateside by Lionsgate on Sept. 27.
“Francis is a legend. For many of us, his gifts to cinema were one of the inspirations to devote our own careers to film,” said by Lionsgate chairman Adam Fogelson. “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.”
According to Coppola, “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.”
Lionsgate’s announcement of the deal highlighted its association with Coppola’s American Zeotrope banner. The studio previously distributed some of its projects on home entertainment, including Apocolypse Now Final Cut, The Conversation, The Cotton Club Encore, Tucker: The Man and His Dream and One From the Heart: Reprise.
The acquisition comes more than two months after a March 28 screening for top Hollywood executives, but some of attendee told The Hollywood Reporter at the time it would be challenging to position the film, which though it boasts a big budget, has an art house film vibe and is not a crowd-pleasing blockbuster.
Besides Adam Driver, the film also stars Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza and Giancarlo Esposito are among the cast of the film. At Cannes, it debuted to a 10-minute standing ovation, and currently sports a 51 percent critics rating at Rotten Tomatoes. After the Cannes ovation, Coppola said he hoped the film would inspire hope in the world.
If you like the article, share your thoughts below!