Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary filmmaker behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, has poured not just his heart but a significant chunk of his fortune into his $120 million sci-fi utopia Megalopolis. Yet, despite the grandeur of his vision, the film is tracking for a dismal domestic opening, with estimates as low as $5 million — a figure that barely scratches the surface of its hefty production budget. Some estimates are slightly more optimistic, ranging from $6 to $8 million, but any way you slice it, this could end up being one of Coppola’s most financially perilous ventures.
Lionsgate is set to release Megalopolis in North America on September 27, just days after its debut at the prestigious New York Film Festival on September 23. That event, which includes a Q&A with Coppola himself, will be broadcast to 66 Imax locations across the U.S. (Fittingly, parts of the film were shot using Imax-certified cameras.) Yet even with this high-profile launch, the numbers aren’t looking good for the legendary director’s passion project.
*Despite Coppola’s legendary status, Hollywood studios have largely kept their distance from Megalopolis. Even after a star-studded buyer’s screening attended by some of the industry’s top executives, no major player was willing to bite. It wasn’t until mid-June that Lionsgate agreed to distribute and market the film, reportedly in exchange for a distribution fee — leaving Coppola to cover marketing costs himself.
The film’s promotional campaign has faced its own turbulence. In late August, an initial trailer was abruptly pulled by Lionsgate when it was revealed that critic quotes featured in the teaser were inaccurate. A revised trailer dropped shortly afterward, this time sans reviewer quotes, along with the announcement of the New York Film Festival screening.
Working with Coppola has been hailed as a “privilege” by Lionsgate, with Adam Fogelson, chair of the studio’s Motion Picture Group, expressing pride in bringing Megalopolis to the festival. Still, the buzz around the film has been mixed. While some are eager to see Coppola’s long-gestating vision brought to life — Megalopolis stars Adam Driver as a man on a mission to build a utopian city, alongside Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito — many are simply unaware the film is even on the horizon. Others who have seen the trailer are left scratching their heads about what the film is really about.
Adding to the film’s troubled narrative is a cloud of controversy. Earlier this year, a Guardian article accused Coppola of inappropriate behavior on the set of Megalopolis, alleging the director engaged in “old school” conduct toward women, including pulling female crew members onto his lap and attempting to kiss female extras during a nightclub sequence. Coppola’s executive co-producer Darren Demetre downplayed the accusations, framing the behavior as attempts to “establish the club atmosphere,” but video evidence has emerged showing Coppola wandering onto set mid-filming, engaging in behavior that appeared to make some women uncomfortable.
The chaos surrounding the film extends beyond personal conduct; the production itself was fraught with turmoil, with half of the art department either quitting or being fired during the chaotic shoot. All this has only added to the film’s uphill battle in trying to generate positive momentum.
Megalopolis has become a passion project of epic proportions for Coppola, who has wanted to make the film for decades. He ultimately put his own money on the line to bring it to life when no studio would take the risk. But with a lukewarm marketing campaign and low awareness among audiences, it’s unclear if even Coppola’s enduring legacy can save this utopian dream from financial ruin.
Lionsgate has had a long relationship with Coppola’s American Zeotrope banner, handling the home entertainment rights for several of his iconic films, including Apocalypse Now Final Cut and The Conversation. Whether Megalopolis will join that list as another feather in Coppola’s cap or a cautionary tale remains to be seen.
Why do you think Megalopolis is projected to do so poorly? Let us know in the comments below. Be sure to follow @NoConCulture on all socials for more!
