Francis Ford Coppola on Casting ‘Canceled Actors’ in Megalopolis

Francis Ford Coppola has discussed his decision to cast actors who have been “cancelled” in his latest film, Megalopolis.

The film, which has received mixed reviews, features Adam Driver as Cesar, an artist-inventor with dreams of a utopian city, clashing with the city’s mayor, played by Giancarlo Esposito. The cast also includes Nathalie Emmanuel, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, and Dustin Hoffman.

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Coppola explained his casting choices, particularly addressing the inclusion of Jon Voight, a known supporter of Donald Trump. Voight, 85, recently accused his daughter Angelina Jolie of “Israel-bashing” over her calls for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Coppola stated, “What I didn’t want to happen is that we’re deemed some woke Hollywood production that’s simply lecturing viewers.”

He explained that the cast features people who have been cancelled at various times. “There were people who are archconservatives and others who are extremely politically progressive. But we were all working on one film together. That was interesting, I thought,” Coppola said.

Being “cancelled” refers to an individual being boycotted for perceived unacceptable or controversial behavior.

Another supporting cast member, Shia LaBeouf, who plays Cesar’s cousin, faced allegations of abuse and sexual battery by former girlfriend and singer FKA Twigs. LaBeouf has denied “each and every allegation” of abuse brought to trial by Twigs, with the trial conclusion postponed until October.

The film itself has sparked controversy. Last week, Lionsgate removed an advert containing fake quotes. Additionally, Coppola faced allegations of inappropriate behavior on set, including claims of “pulling women to sit on his lap” and “trying to kiss some of the topless and scantily-clad female extras.”

Footage emerged in July showing the director kissing extras on set, with one woman stating she was left “in shock” by the incident.

Two clips, reportedly taken by a crewmember and published by Variety, showed Coppola roaming around a dance floor scene in the film, hugging and kissing female extras.

Variety’s source claimed that after several takes, the director announced over a microphone, “Sorry, if I come up to you and kiss you. Just know it’s solely for my pleasure.”

Lauren Pagone, one of the women seen in the video and an extra in multiple scenes of Megalopolis, said, “I was in shock. I didn’t expect him to kiss and hug me like that. I was caught off guard. And I can tell you he came around a couple of times.”

Conversely, another extra denied any inappropriate behavior by Coppola. Rayna Menz, who also appeared in the video, told Deadline in July, “He did nothing to make me or for that matter anyone on set feel uncomfortable.”

Coppola has previously denied the allegations, stating in The New York Times: “I’m not touchy-feely. I’m too shy.”

He added, “My mother told me that if you make an advance toward a woman, it means you disrespect her, and the girls I had crushes on, I certainly didn’t disrespect them.”

The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab gave Megalopolis three stars, describing it as “deeply flawed and very eccentric.”

The Independent has reached out to Coppola’s representatives for further comments.

Source: Rolling Stone, The Independent