One of the most highly anticipated movies of the year, Megalopolis has generated widespread buzz, with audiences eager to see what legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has crafted. Known for directing classic films such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, Coppola brings his unique vision to the realm of science fiction with this ambitious project.
Megalopolis promises to be a visually stunning and narratively complex film, produced entirely by Coppola himself, which means he’s had full control over every aspect of the production. Whether fans end up loving it or feeling disappointed, the film is sure to leave an impression on everyone who watches it.
Controversy has surrounded Megalopolis from its early stages, but this has only increased interest in the film. With a star-studded cast, a dramatic premise, and Coppola’s well-respected name behind it, the film has a lot of expectations to live up to.
As viewers await its release, the excitement grows. Here’s everything you need to know about where and when you can catch this grand sci-fi epic in theaters.
Coppola Rejects Streaming for Megalopolis
Surprisingly, Megalopolis will not be available on any streaming platforms for the foreseeable future. This decision may come as a surprise to many, but it aligns with Coppola’s desire to keep full control of his film.
Coppola revealed in an interview with Deadline that he withheld the rights to release the movie on streaming services, explaining, “Since I took the risk, I want to own that, which I do, so I’m not interested in selling that to someone else. I want to be able to control it.”
This bold choice leaves many viewers wondering if the film will ever appear on platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, or Hulu. However, Megalopolis might still find its way to streaming eventually.
Lionsgate, the studio handling its distribution, typically releases its films on the Starz streaming service around five to six months after their theatrical run. Based on this pattern, it’s possible that fans will be able to stream Megalopolis on Starz in early 2025, though this has not been confirmed.
Will Megalopolis Be Available on VOD?
While Coppola’s comments about streaming might leave fans uncertain, there is still hope for those who prefer home viewing options. It is likely that Megalopolis will eventually be released on VOD (video on demand), but an official release date for platforms like Prime Video has not been confirmed yet.
What is more certain is that DVD, Blu-ray, and 4K UHD editions of Megalopolis will eventually be available. Physical media collectors and home theater enthusiasts should keep an eye out for announcements on when these formats will be released.
In recent months, Lionsgate has handled the release of several major films, such as The Crow and Borderlands, which arrived on VOD just three weeks after their initial theatrical release. If Megalopolis follows a similar path, viewers could see the film appear on VOD as early as October 18, 2024.
However, it’s important to note that Coppola may negotiate for a longer delay between the theatrical and home release. This is a strategy that directors like Tom Cruise, Christopher Nolan, and Quentin Tarantino have used in the past to encourage people to see their films in theaters before they become available online.
When Can You Watch Megalopolis in Theaters?
The wait is almost over for fans eager to watch Coppola’s latest masterpiece. Megalopolis will officially hit theaters on Friday, September 27, 2024. The release follows its polarizing debut at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in the year, where the film received mixed reactions from critics and audiences alike.
Regardless of these early reviews, many viewers are still excited to form their own opinions when the movie hits the big screen.
Interestingly, September 27 will also see the release of another highly anticipated movie: The Wild Robot, an animated film from DreamWorks Animation and Universal Pictures. While both films are vastly different in tone and style, this release date makes for a big weekend in theaters, giving viewers plenty of options.
Only in Theaters: Megalopolis Makes a Big Screen Debut
For those eager to experience Megalopolis, the only option will be to head to a local theater. Lionsgate, the studio responsible for distributing the film, has secured the rights for both U.S. and Canadian releases.
Fans in both countries will be able to enjoy the movie on the big screen, and for an even more immersive experience, Megalopolis will also be available in IMAX theaters. Given the film’s massive scale and detailed cinematography, IMAX seems like the ideal format for viewing.
This isn’t Coppola’s first partnership with Lionsgate. The studio has worked with the director on earlier films like The Conversation and The Cotton Club Encore. However, Megalopolis marks the biggest project the two have worked on together, and Lionsgate is hopeful that the film’s social media buzz will turn into high ticket sales.
The Megalopolis Trailer Offers a Glimpse of What’s to Come
For those eager to see what Megalopolis is all about, the latest trailer offers a sneak peek. Released on September 13, 2024, the one-minute teaser gives audiences a taste of the film’s visual splendor.
The trailer features a mix of stunning cityscapes, futuristic themes, and powerful performances from its star-studded cast, which includes Adam Driver (Marriage Story), Giancarlo Esposito (Breaking Bad), Dustin Hoffman (Midnight Cowboy), and Nathalie Emmanuel (Game of Thrones).
The futuristic Manhattan setting is just one example of the movie’s impressive visuals, as the story dives into themes of idealism, progress, and conflict.
Despite the trailer’s appeal, early reviews following the Cannes Film Festival have been less enthusiastic. Some critics felt that the film fell short of its ambitious goals. Collider’s Chase Hutchinson noted that while the film had moments of brilliance, it often became repetitive and failed to push boundaries.
He stated, “On the one hand, you’re often watching fairly standard scenes play out with a handful of actors who’ve done great work before while attempting to do so here. You’re not watching the film come apart as much as it is just carrying on in a repetitive register.”
Hutchinson added that while Megalopolis had great potential, “It’s all more interesting in theory than it ever is in actuality. Now that we will all have the chance to take it in for ourselves, the greatest revelation is that there just isn’t that much to see.”
Plot Summary: What Is Megalopolis About?
The official plot of Megalopolis centers around a battle between two strong-willed men: Cesar, a genius artist who dreams of creating a utopian future, and Mayor Franklyn Cicero, who resists change and is determined to maintain the status quo.
The mayor’s dedication to greed, political warfare, and special interests stands in sharp contrast to Cesar’s idealistic vision of progress and innovation. As the two men clash, the film shows themes of idealism versus conservatism, setting the stage for an intense narrative that promises to challenge viewers’ perceptions of the future.
Megalopolis is Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated sci-fi epic, set to release in theaters on September 27, 2024. The film shows a conflict between a visionary artist, Cesar, and a conservative mayor, Franklyn Cicero. Skipping streaming services, it offers a cinematic experience with its star-studded cast and striking visuals.
