Francis Ford Coppola Didn’t Want ‘Megalopolis’ to Be ‘Some Woke Hollywood Production’ and Says the Cast Includes ‘People Who Were Canceled’

As a seasoned film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that Francis Ford Coppola‘s “Megalopolis” has certainly piqued my interest. The movie seems to be a fascinating blend of controversy, intrigue, and unconventional casting choices – much like the man himself.


Francis Ford Coppola, in an interview with Rolling Stone, shared that he aimed to create a film with “Megalopolis” that wouldn’t be labeled as just another politically correct Hollywood production. The movie features actors like Jon Voight, known for his conservative stance and support of Donald Trump in Hollywood, and Shia LaBeouf, who faced allegations of sexual assault in 2021.

“Coppola expressed that it was undesirable for our film to be perceived as a preachy Hollywood production. The cast consists of individuals who have faced cancellations at some point. There are conservatives and progressives among us, but during the making of this movie, we all collaborated harmoniously. I found this dynamic quite intriguing.”

Regarding collaborating with LaBeouf, who has appeared infrequently in films since allegations arose against him, Coppola commended the actor but acknowledged that there were strained moments during their work together.

Shia LaBeouf truly embraced the role, according to Coppola. She hadn’t worked with him before this project, but he intentionally creates a high level of tension between himself and the director. This reminds me of Dennis Hopper, who used to do something similar, and then you’d tell him to go ahead and do anything, and then he would come up with something amazing.

In the movie titled “Megalopolis,” Adam Driver portrays an architect harboring aspirations to construct a utopian city following a devastating event that reduced a city similar to New York to rubble. His vision, however, places him at odds with the city’s merciless mayor and other influential figures. The ensemble cast features Aubrey Plaza, Dustin Hoffman, Laurence Fishburne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Nathalie Emmanuel as well.

Ever since its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, “Megalopolis” has been shrouded in debate, with critics either lauding or lambasting the film. Simultaneously, accusations against Coppola’s conduct on set arose, such as him reportedly kissing extras during the filming of a party scene. Another wave of controversy hit this month, when Lionsgate unveiled the “Megalopolis” trailer, only to later remove it from online platforms due to its inclusion of fabricated critic quotes.

Lionsgate has yet to change its plans for the theater release of “Megalopolis” on September 27. Following that, it will be shown at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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2024-08-27 01:16