Los Angeles, Apr 25 (UNI) Hollywood legend Francis Ford Coppola, has announced a graphic novel based on his 2024 film ‘Megapolis’, which will reinterpret the film’s story.
The book is titled ‘Francis Ford Coppola‘s Megalopolis: An Original Graphic Novel’, and will be penned by writer Chris Ryall who has a reputation for adapting the works of big authors such as Stephen King, Clive Barker and Harlan Ellison.
The art will be provided by Jacob Philips, known for his work on comics such as ‘That Texas Blood’ and ‘Newburn’ with Abrams ComicArts eyeing an October launch.
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, ‘The Godfather’ director said “I was pleased to put the idea of a graphic novel in the competent hands of Chris Ryall with the idea that, although it was inspired by my film ‘Megalopolis’, it didn’t necessarily have to be limited by it.
“I hoped the graphic novel would take its own flight, with its own artists and writer so that it would be a sibling of the film, rather than just an echo. That’s what I feel Chris, Jacob Phillips and the team at Abrams ComicArts have accomplished,” he added.
“It confirms my feeling that art can never be constrained, but rather always a parallel expression, and part of the bounty we can make available to our patrons, audiences and readers,” he concluded.
The Oscar Winning director’s 2024 film is a sci-fi-epic which is based on the theme of the Roman Empire, specifically about its fall from a Republic to becoming an Empire. The movie despite its ambitious grand narrative, high budget, and an ensemble cast which included Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Shia LaBeouf, Audrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, James Remar, Dustin Hoffman etc, received a polarising reception and was a box office bomb.
Talking about his work on the ‘Bram Stoker’s Dracula’ director’s massive narrative, Ryall said “Coppola’s storytelling challenged and inspired me at every turn,” adding that “collaborating with Jacob Phillips brought new depth to the narrative. With Abrams ComicArts, we’ve created something that both honours and expands the world of the original film.”
Phillips stated, “’Megalopolis’ is a giant, awe-inspiring tale which insisted I pushed my artwork to new levels to meet the challenge.”
Abrams publisher Joseph Montagne said, “Coppola’s storytelling genius, paired with Ryall’s writing and Phillips’ dynamic artistry, makes ‘Megalopolis’ a true landmark in the graphic novel literary canon.”
At a press conference the morning after it debuted, Coppola addressed putting his own money into the $120 million project: “The money doesn’t matter. What is important are the friends. A friend will never let you down. The money may evaporate.”
