Francis Ford Coppola is partnering with Lionsgate to bring his latest movie, Megalopolis, to theaters in the U.S. and Canada later this year.
Expect to see Megalopolis, which previously premiered at Cannes Film Festival earlier this year after decades of work, in domestic theaters and IMAX on September 27, 2024. In a statement, Lionsgate explained that the collaboration is an extension of its existing partnership with Coppola and his American Zoetrope banner. The company will also oversee the distribution of Megalopolis on home entertainment platforms.
“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,” Coppola said in a statement. “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.”
The film also allegedly faced troubled production behind the scenes. In a May report from The Guardian, Coppola was accused of pulling women to sit on his lap, attempting to kiss extras, and more, all on the Megalopolis set. At the time, the site’s sources added that Coppola said he was “trying to get them in the mood.” The Godfather director argued against the allegations earlier this month during a talk with the New York Times. In the interview, he said, “I’m not touchy-feely. I’m too shy.”
"My mother told me that if you make an advance toward a woman, it means you disrespect her, and the girls I had crushes on, I certainly didn’t disrespect them," he said.
Coppola’s long-in-the-making sci-fi drama stunned audiences when it premiered at Cannes earlier this year. Featuring an all-star cast that includes Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, and more, the picture divided many who saw it.
While audiences couldn’t decide to love or hate the movie, we walked away feeling satisfied with the story it told. In our 9/10 review, we said, “Francis Ford Coppola’s deeply personal Megalopolis is a frustrating madcap odyssey that gives way to something wildly unique.”
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.
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