Initially hailed as one of the most anticipated films of the year, Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is now facing a series of challenges that threaten the future of the project. The journey for the filmmaker’s dream project, in which he invested over $100 million, has been smooth, until recently.
A viral clip showcasing Coppola’s inappropriate behavior towards young female extras on the set had already cast a shadow over the film. And in a further blow, Lionsgate has to issue an apology for fabricating quotes from renowned film critics in the latest trailer of the film.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis Faces Backlash For Fabricated Negative Reviews
Lionsgate recently released a new trailer for the upcoming sci-fi drama Megalopolis. Sharing a brief glimpse into the film, the trailer takes a more confrontational approach to its marketing.
Before leading into Megalopolis, the trailer begins with what appear to be quotes from renowned critics’ reviews of Francis Ford Coppola’s previous films such as The Godfather and Apocalypse Now.
The strategy appears to emphasize that, despite the negative reviews, Coppola’s films have ultimately become iconic. It is assumed to be regarding the divisive response to the upcoming film following its premiere at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
However, the quotes featured in the trailer are nowhere to be found in any of the reviews. Film critic Owen Gleiberman condemned this strategy, arguing, “Critics loved The Godfather. And though Apocalypse Now was divisive, it received a lot of crucial critical support.”
“The trivial scandal of all this is that the whole Megalopolis trailer is built on a false narrative,” he further said, as per Variety. With the uncertainty of where most of the quotes featured in the trailer came from, Lionsgate has issued an apology and has decided to recall the trailer.
Lionsgate Recalls Trailer as Francis Ford Coppola’s Dream Project Faces Growing Doubts
Following the trailer receiving backlash for featuring fabricated reviews, Lionsgate has apologized and announced the decision to withdraw the trailer. “Lionsgate is immediately recalling our trailer for Megalopolis,” a spokesperson said.
The statement further stated, as per Variety
We offer our sincere apologies to the critics involved and to Francis Ford Coppola and American Zoetrope for this inexcusable error in our vetting process. We screwed up. We are sorry.
Amid the ongoing controversies, there is growing concern that the film’s future is in jeopardy, with some suggesting that the filmmaker may need nothing short of a miracle to turn things around.
“They just can’t do anything right with this film,” one X (Twitter) user said reflecting a sentiment echoed by others who admitted they have gradually lost interest in the movie.
they just can’t do anything right with this film
— harv (@harvv) August 21, 2024
Dude, the press surrounding this movie has just been a disaster. Pretty much killed any anticipation I had.
— Tσɱσ ❄️ (@Idgf_Tomo) August 21, 2024
“Your negative review quotes in the recent trailer were a bit… irregular.” pic.twitter.com/Ym1z6UHYbv
— 👾KidKinobi👾 (@Kid_Kinobi) August 21, 2024
It seems it already did and Coppola’s behind the scenes creeping isn’t helping
— Cinemageddon Reviews 🇵🇷 (@cinemageddon) August 21, 2024
I guess like, at least they apologised? I don’t know what’s happening this whole thing is so weird 😭
— Joe (@hzjoe03) August 21, 2024
Why would they include fake quotes disparaging the movie??
— Assassin (Mad Dragon🐉🐲) (@Assassin6687) August 21, 2024
Prior to the trailer fiasco, the film was already under scrutiny after a viral clip showed the acclaimed filmmaker’s inappropriate behavior, as he was seen attempting to kiss young female extras on set.
The marketing tactic and the debacle surrounding the film have led many to question whether it will be able to achieve the same status and legacy as some of Coppola’s greatest works.
Megalopolis is set to release in theatres on September 27, 2024.
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