There is a weight of expectation surrounding Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis. With a budget exceeding $100 million and being the legendary director’s first major film since 2011, the stakes are undeniably high.
However, as the film nears its release, it has been plagued by controversies that could spell trouble. Recent scandals include a marketing blunder involving fabricated critic quotes and allegations of unprofessional behavior on set. Yes, the film is making headlines, but for all the wrong reasons.
These problems remind us of Kevin Costner’s Horizon—a movie that had its own share of drama. This article takes a closer look at the mess surrounding Megalopolis and wonders if it’s headed for the same kind of chaos as Horizon.
Megalopolis‘ Struggles With Controversies and Missteps
The most recent controversy involves Lionsgate’s marketing blunder. The studio released a trailer with fabricated quotes from household critics like Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris. These quotes (later revealed to be generated by AI) might have been used to falsely hype up Francis Ford Coppola’s film, Megalopolis.
When it came to light, the studio quickly apologized, yanked the trailer, and parted ways with marketing consultant Eddie Egan. Besides marketing headaches, Megalopolis is making waves because Coppola is footing the $100 million bill himself. It’s a huge risk for the director, and while it shows he’s aiming high, it also casts doubt on its financial stability.
According to Deadline, the 85-year-old has been in hot water for some less-than-stellar behavior on set. There’s a video floating around where he’s seen kissing extras, which is causing quite a stir. While one of the women, Rayna Menz, in the video later said it wasn’t a big deal, the incident is still adding fuel to the fire.
With the financial strain and this drama, it’s safe to say Megalopolis has its fair share of hurdles to jump before hitting the big screen. However, the fallout is—public and critical trust took a hit, and now the film’s success could be on shaky ground.
Is Megalopolis Heading for the Same Downfall as Horizon?
Kevin Costner’s summer flick, Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter One, hit a rough patch at the box office. Despite costing a hefty $100 million to make, the Western only wrangled up $34.3 million (via Box Office Mojo). The 69-year-old told Variety that he even shelled out $38 million of his own cash to get the first of what was supposed to be four installments onto the big screen. Sadly, it seems audiences weren’t ready for a Costner cowboy comeback.
The film didn’t fare much better with critics, snagging a lukewarm 49% on Rotten Tomatoes. And if that wasn’t enough, the sequel’s theatrical release, originally set for August 16, has been put on hold. Looks like Francis Ford Coppola’s new film, Megalopolis, might be heading down the same rocky road. No doubt, both films have had their share of issues, but there’s a silver lining.
Coppola’s track record and creative flair could turn things around. You might think that he had an easy ride with earlier films, but think again! Take an example of one of Hollywood’s biggest classics—The Godfather.
The film had to deal with corporate bigwigs meddling in its business, a bad rap for mobster movies, and Marlon Brando’s reputation as a “toxic” colleague (according to Work Week). Yet, despite all the odds and some seriously shady dealings, The Godfather didn’t just make it; it became one of the greatest films ever. So, if anyone’s got the Midas touch in Hollywood, it’s definitely Coppola!
Megalopolis to hit U.S. theaters on September 27.
Frequently asked questions
What controversies has Megalopolis faced before release?
The article reports several issues. Lionsgate released a trailer featuring fabricated critic quotes attributed to legends like Pauline Kael and Andrew Sarris, later revealed to be AI-generated; the studio apologized, pulled the trailer, and parted ways with marketing consultant Eddie Egan. Coppola is also self-funding the film’s $100 million-plus budget, and Deadline reported on-set behavior, including a video of the director kissing extras.
How does Megalopolis compare to Kevin Costner’s Horizon?
The article draws a parallel between the two films. Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter One reportedly cost about $100 million but earned only $34.3 million, with Costner said to have spent $38 million of his own money. It scored 49% on Rotten Tomatoes (since nudged to 51%), and its sequel’s August 16 theatrical release was put on hold. The piece wonders whether Megalopolis could meet a similarly troubled fate.
When does Megalopolis release in US theaters?
According to the article, Megalopolis is set to hit US theaters on September 27. The film is Francis Ford Coppola’s first major directorial effort since 2011 and carries a budget exceeding $100 million, which the 85-year-old director is reportedly financing himself, raising the stakes significantly for the legendary filmmaker.
