Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis is one of this century's most confounding movies, a sci-fi epic that draws on Roman history, incorporated a live performance element in certain screenings, and featured a character named Wow Platinum (Aubrey Plaza).
But if you think Megalopolis is crazy — and it is, undoubtedly so — then you might be even more surprised by the story of its production. That's where Megadoc comes in.
Directed by Mike Figgis (Leaving Las Vegas), Megadoc serves as a fly-on-the-wall look at the making of Megalopolis and Coppola's creative process. The documentary, which will premiere at the 2025 Venice Film Festival, features interviews with Coppola, along with input from Eleanor Coppola, Adam Driver, Aubrey Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel, Dustin Hoffman, Giancarlo Esposito, Chloe Fineman, Shia LaBeouf, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, Talia Shire, and Robert De Niro.
The first teaser for the film gives a very, very small taste of what to expect from Megadoc, including Coppola declaring, "No one I'm working with realizes how weird a movie this actually is."
Other than that, Megadoc's teaser isn't quite ready to spill its behind-the-scenes secrets just yet. Still, the information that is public about the production of Megalopolis is intriguing enough to act as its own teaser.
Megalopolis was Coppola's passion project for decades. When he couldn't find funding, he financed the film himself, spending $120 million. (It took in just over $14.3 million at the global box office.)
Production on the film proved tumultuous, with Coppola often shifting shooting plans on the spot. He fired Megalopolis' visual effects team, and many other members of the crew departed soon after.
Several female extras on the film also alleged that Coppola behaved inappropriately with them onset. Extra Lauren Pagone sued Coppola for civil battery and civil assault, as well as negligent failure to prevent sexual harassment. Months before Megalopolis' theatrical release, Variety also published a video of Coppola's alleged sexual misconduct, along with accounts from his accusers. Following the release of that article, Coppola sued Variety for libel, seeking $15 million in damages.
Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival, Megadoc will open in select theaters Sept. 19.
