Next-Gen Coppolas Introduce ‘Megalopolis’ to Future Film Fans

Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” is enlisting family help as it gears up for its theatrical release. The renowned “Godfather” director is collaborating with Utopia, founded by his nephew Robert Schwartzman, for the film’s marketing strategy.

The self-financed sci-fi epic first premiered at Cannes and is slated to appear at the Toronto International Film Festival next month. Lionsgate plans to release it on September 27, with Utopia providing additional marketing support to engage younger audiences.

In a press release, it was revealed that Utopia would assist Lionsgate with specialty marketing, word-of-mouth campaigns, and unique theatrical distribution initiatives, aiming to appeal to a broader viewership.

Since its 2019 inception, Utopia has gained recognition for distributing challenging, low-budget independent films often boasting a genre twist. Although “Megalopolis” runs counter to Utopia’s typical budget with its $120 million expenditure, its avant-garde themes resonate with Utopia’s repertoire.

This unusual collaboration between Coppola and Utopia aims to make the film appealing to younger cinephiles, especially as its complex narrative has posed marketing challenges.

Coppola initially sought a distribution deal pre-Cannes but found it tough to secure a partner for the polarizing project. Despite mixed reactions at Cannes, where IndieWire’s David Ehrlich awarded it a B+ review, questions lingered about its mainstream marketability. Lionsgate ultimately stepped in for a global IMAX release, with Coppola shouldering much of the marketing costs.

Expressing his confidence in the venture, Coppola said, “I am confident we are in great hands with Lionsgate, and Robert and his team at Utopia will be a tremendous addition. They have proven that there is success in an artist-first approach while also making bold moves, especially at a time when our film business often shies away from daring endeavors. I know Utopia will help ‘Megalopolis’ discover untapped audiences and opportunities for its theatrical launch alongside Lionsgate.”

Schwartzman echoed this sentiment, adding, “The visionary, inventive, and cinematic epic that is ‘Megalopolis’ is exactly the kind of film that excites us at Utopia. It could only come from a storyteller like Francis who has been known to take business and creative risks to support his vision. We are already deep in conversations with Lionsgate’s incredible team and are working together to collaborate on a special campaign to support this one-of-a-kind film experience.”