Francis Ford Coppola’s ‘Megalopolis’ First Look Image Revealed

Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded feature Megalopolis has revealed a first look image after landing a Cannes competition berth.

The project follows the rebuilding of a metropolis after falling into decline, with two competing visions — one from the idealist architect Cesar Catilina (Adam Driver), the other from its corrupt mayor Frank Cicero, played by Giancarlo Esposito — colliding.

The first official image from Megalopolis reveals Driver eyeing a rebuilding of the City of New Rome, while Nathalie Emmanuel, as Julia Cicero, the socialite daughter of mayor Cicero, looks on. Megalopolis is structured as a Roman epic fable set in an imagined modern America.

To rebuild New Rome, Julia Cicero ultimately comes between a Cesar Catilina she falls in love with and Frank Cicero whom she remains loyal to as her father, as the two men battle with competition visions.

The film will screen in competition in Cannes on May 17 in a gala premiere at the 77th annual festival.

The project, which Coppola first began writing in 1983, cost a reported $120 million to make — funded in part by the sale of a significant portion of his wine empire. Recently, the film had a screening for potential buyers, with Universal’s Donna Langley, Netflix’s Ted Sarandos and Sony’s Tom Rothman in attendance at Universal CityWalk. It is still seeking distribution, but the filmmaker has noted his desire for an Imax release.

The ensemble cast for Megalopolis includes Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, Jason Schwartzman and Talia Shire. Coppola directed, wrote and produced the film, with Fred Roos, Barry Hirsch and Michael Bederman producing.

The executive producer credits are shared by Anahid Nazarian, Barrie Osborne and Darren Demetre.