Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” Trailer Pulled Over Fake Critic Quotes
Staff Editor Lionsgate Pulls “Megalopolis” Trailer Amid Fake Quote Controversy
Lionsgate Films has withdrawn the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s highly anticipated science-fiction drama “Megalopolis” following the discovery of fake critic quotes used in its promotion. This latest setback adds to a series of controversies surrounding the film’s production and marketing.
“Megalopolis,” set in a dystopian future, follows architect Caesar (Adam Driver) and the mayor of New Rome as they attempt to rebuild the city after a catastrophic event. Coppola, the legendary director behind “The Godfather” trilogy, has been trying to bring this ambitious project to life since 1983.
The film’s troubled journey began long before its completion. Unable to secure studio funding due to its massive scale, Coppola took the unprecedented step of self-financing the $120 million budget by selling his Sonoma County vineyards.
Production challenges emerged in May 2024 when The Guardian published a feature detailing allegations of unprofessional behavior on set. Anonymous crew members claimed Coppola frequently delayed filming, often retreating to his trailer to smoke marijuana. More serious accusations surfaced regarding his conduct with female extras during a nightclub scene.
These allegations gained traction in July 2024 when Variety released footage appearing to show Coppola kissing extras on set. Executive producer Darren Demetre defended the director’s actions, stating they were intended to establish the club’s atmosphere and that no formal complaints had been filed.
The most recent controversy erupted in August 2024 when Lionsgate released a trailer featuring quotes from negative reviews of Coppola’s previous works. Vulture’s investigation revealed that some quotes were fabricated, including one misattributed to Roger Ebert’s review of “Batman” instead of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”
In response, Lionsgate quickly pulled the trailer and issued an apology, acknowledging a breakdown in their vetting process. As of this report, neither Lionsgate nor Coppola’s representatives have responded to requests for comment from Business Insider.
As “Megalopolis” approaches its release date, industry observers are left wondering how these ongoing controversies will impact the film’s reception and box office performance.
