Fate of Francis Coppola's 'Megalopolis' in doubt amid distributor struggles
What's the story
Francis Ford Coppola's long-anticipated science-fiction drama, Megalopolis, is encountering distribution obstacles.
Despite being a passion project for Coppola since 1983 and self-funded to the tune of $120M, the film has yet to secure a distributor.
To solve this, a screening was held on March 28, with representatives from major studios such as Warner Bros., Disney, and Netflix present.
Despite the intrigue, the distributors didn't pick it up.
Screening outcome
Attendees opined 'Megalopolis' is too niche for mainstream success
According to The Hollywood Reporter, while opinions among attendees regarding the film's quality differed, the general consensus in the report was that Megalopolis might be too specialized for mainstream success.
Smaller studios may also lack the capacity to support an extensive marketing campaign and IMAX release as envisioned by Coppola.
To note, the film boasts an impressive cast including Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, and Aubrey Plaza.
Risk aversion
Hollywood's reluctance to back commercially risky projects
The hesitation to distribute Megalopolis reflects a wider issue in Hollywood—the reluctance to back projects seen as "commercially risky."
One specialty label founder at the screening admired the film but questioned how commercial success is defined.
He cited Blade Runner, a movie that gained popularity post-release despite initial box office disappointment, as an example.
However, even this specialty label will not be distributing Megalopolis.
Creative risk
'Megalopolis' won't get festival dates until distribution is set
An attendee noted that while Megalopolis might be somewhat disjointed in its narrative structure, it is also highly imaginative and relevant to our times.
Despite its creative storytelling and contemporary themes, studios are hesitant to invest in a substantial marketing campaign that could cost nearly $100M.
Coppola has stated that no decisions regarding a festival premiere will be made until a distribution plan is established.
About the project
Here's everything you need to know about 'Megalopolis'
The film, written, directed, and produced by Coppola, commenced filming in 2022 and concluded in March 2023.
It follows the story of an idealistic architect striving to transform New York into a utopia after a global catastrophe.
Previously, Coppola shared on Instagram a list of books that the film has been heavily influenced by—Bullshit Jobs (2018), The Dawn of Everything (2021), Debt: The First 5000 Years (2011), The Chalice and the Blade (1987), The Glass Bead Game (1943), among others.