After a disastrous box office debut, Francis Ford Coppola is orchestrating an unprecedented campaign to transform his self-funded epic 'Megalopolis' into a cult classic through unique screenings, lectures, and controlled distribution.
Francis Ford Coppola's decades-in-the-making dream project, 'Megalopolis,' debuted in fall 2024 to a dismal box office performance, grossing just $14 million worldwide against its $120 million budget, largely funded by Coppola himself. Despite a star-studded cast including Adam Driver and Aubrey Plaza, the film quickly flopped and received no year-end awards consideration. However, instead of fading away, 'Megalopolis' took an unconventional path. It largely bypassed traditional subscription streaming and home video formats in North America. Coppola then launched a six-city speaking tour, screening the movie and engaging in two-hour lectures about its themes. He also plans for annual New Year's Day screenings and a longer 'director's cut' titled 'Megalopolis Unbound.' A separate documentary, 'Megadoc,' detailing the film's extensive development, is also available. This unique strategy, which includes selling lecture tickets and luxury watches, is seen as Coppola's attempt to recoup costs, control the film's narrative, and cultivate a cult following through scarcity, directly challenging the ephemeral nature of contemporary film culture. While some appreciate this bold move, others express skepticism about whether a cult status can be forced rather than organically developed.
