NEW YORK – The much-anticipated distribution deal for Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded masterpiece, “Megalopolis,” has been finalized, with Lionsgate acquiring the rights to screen the film across theatres in the United States and Canada.
Lionsgate’s announcement on Monday concludes one of the year’s most talked-about acquisition sagas. Coppola’s ambitious $120-million project, a Roman tale set against a futuristic New York backdrop, is slated for a grand release on September 27, including showings on IMAX screens.
“Megalopolis,” which marks Coppola’s return to filmmaking after a 13-year hiatus, was first unveiled to potential distributors in Los Angeles in late March. The film quickly became the subject of intense industry buzz, sparking debates over its artistic merit and commercial viability. Following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival last month, the film received a polarized reception but was universally lauded for its bold vision.
Coppola has a history of successful collaborations with Lionsgate, notably with the home movie release of “Apocalypse Now Final Cut.”
Coppola expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with Lionsgate once again. “I’ve always valued working with partners who have shown themselves to be trustworthy collaborators and friends over time,” he stated. He expressed confidence in Lionsgate’s ability to handle “Megalopolis” with the same care as “Apocalypse Now,” which continues to generate significant revenue and acclaim 45 years post-release.
“Megalopolis” features an ensemble cast led by Adam Driver as Cesar, an artist-inventor whose utopian city vision clashes with the incumbent mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito. The star-studded lineup includes Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, and Dustin Hoffman.
Coppola has nurtured the concept of “Megalopolis” for years and ultimately financed it by divesting parts of his extensive wine business. The film boasts experimental elements and has secured distribution agreements in several international markets. Notably, screenings have incorporated a live interactive component where an actor engages with the audience onstage.
Adam Fogelson of Lionsgate praised Coppola’s enduring influence on cinema. “Francis is an icon whose work inspired many of us to pursue careers in film,” he remarked. “It’s an honour to collaborate with him and present this bold and unique cinematic experience to audiences. At Lionsgate, we pride ourselves on supporting visionary artists, and ‘Megalopolis’ is a testament to Coppola’s unparalleled daring and creativity.”
