Coppola Denies Misconduct Allegations Surrounding “Megalopolis”

Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated film “Megalopolis” made its world premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival last month, garnering significant attention and sparking polarizing reviews. However, ahead of the premiere, reports surfaced regarding alleged misconduct by Coppola on set, as detailed by crew members in a report by The Guardian. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Coppola addressed these allegations, firmly denying any wrongdoing.

Denial of Allegations

When questioned about the allegations in the interview, Coppola referenced his upbringing and personal values, emphasizing his respect for women. He recalled his mother’s advice regarding relationships and interactions with women, highlighting his shyness and lack of “touchy-feely” behavior. Coppola vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that he never exhibited disrespectful behavior towards women on set.

Statements from Executive Producer

Following the initial report by The Guardian, executive producer Darren Demetre released a statement, expressing his lack of awareness regarding any complaints of harassment or misconduct during the production of “Megalopolis.” Demetre’s statement aimed to clarify the situation and support Coppola amidst the allegations.

Overview of “Megalopolis”

“Megalopolis” is hailed as Coppola’s passion project, which has been in development for several years. The self-financed film boasts a substantial budget of approximately $120 million and features a star-studded cast, including Adam Driver, Nathalie Emmanuel, Giancarlo Esposito, Shia LaBeouf, Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire, and Jason Schwartzman. Despite its divisive reviews, the film received a notable 7-minute standing ovation from the Cannes audience following its premiere.

Plot Synopsis

Set in a futuristic city reminiscent of the Roman Empire, “Megalopolis” follows the journey of an architect named Caesar, portrayed by Adam Driver. Caesar aspires to rebuild New York City into a utopian society following a catastrophic event. The film explores themes of ambition, societal reconstruction, and the pursuit of an idealistic vision in the face of adversity. “Megalopolis” marks Coppola’s return to filmmaking after a decade-long hiatus since his 2011 horror film “Twixt.”