‘Megalopolis’ First Look: Francis Ford Coppola Says ‘I Must’ve Rewritten It 300 Times’ Before Self-Financing the $120 Million ‘Roman Epic’

Francis Ford Coppola revealed in a preview of “Megalopolis” in Vanity Fair that he rewrote the script around 300 times before self-financing the passion project for $120 million by selling part of his winery estate in Northern California. The epic is set to world premiere in competition at the Cannes FIlm Festival in May. A first look photo from “Megalopolis” has debuted featuring Adam Driver and Nathalie Emmanuel in their leading roles.

Inspired by H.G. Wells’ “Things to Come,” Coppola’s epic is set in a New York City-like metropolis in the aftermath of a catastrophic destruction. Driver plays an idealistic architect who wants to rebuild the city into something greater than what it was. Giancarlo Esposito is the city’s corrupt mayor hellbent on keeping things the way they were.

Caught in the middle of these opposing forces is Emmanuel’s character, the socialist daughter of the mayor who becomes romantically drawn to Driver’s architect. The supporting cast includes Aubrey Plaza, Shia LaBeouf, Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Laurence Fishburne, Talia Shire and Jason Schwartzman.