Adam Driver Envisions Egomaniacal Utopia in ‘Megalopolis’ Official Trailer

Adam Driver stars as a visionary genius determined to save New York City by creating a utopian future, thereby challenging an entrenched elite, in the official trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s self-funded “Megalopolis,” which was released on Wednesday.

In the film, Driver’s character, Cesar Catilina, is seen from his office in the Chrysler Building, expressing his hopes for humanity with the poignant message, “Don’t let the now destroy the forever.” The movie reimagines the Roman Empire in a modern America teetering on the edge of catastrophe. To bring his vision to life, Cesar must contend with the pragmatic mayor, Franklyn Cicero, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito.

Franklyn Cicero inherited a fiscal mess from his predecessors and seeks to generate revenue through the construction of a casino complex in modern-day New York City. Julia Cicero, played by Nathalie Emmanuel, is the mayor’s strong-willed daughter who finds herself caught between the ideals of Cesar and the practicalities of her father.

The trailer showcases the grandeur and ambition of Coppola’s passion project, featuring scenes of Madison Square Garden transformed into a Colosseum complete with gladiatorial contests and chariot races. “In many ways, Cesar’s mission, both noble and egomaniacal, seems a direct reflection of the dogged determination of Francis Ford Coppola to get this movie made at any cost,” noted David Rooney in his review for The Hollywood Reporter.

Coppola first began writing “Megalopolis” in 1983, and the film reportedly cost $120 million to produce. This massive budget was partially funded through the sale of a substantial portion of Coppola’s wine empire. “Megalopolis” will be released in theaters on September 27, courtesy of Lionsgate and Imax, following its debut at Cannes and a North American premiere in Toronto.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter