Moviegoers will have a fresh opportunity to witness Megalopolis on the big screen, as Reading International Inc. has booked the film for simultaneous screenings across its cinemas nationwide, from New York to Hawaii, starting October 24. A highlight of this limited engagement is a livestreamed Q&A session with Francis Ford Coppola himself, moderated by his son and collaborator, Roman Coppola, who served as the film's second unit director. Audience members will be able to text their questions before, during, and after the film, with the elder Coppola answering selected inquiries live during the presentation.
This theatrical re-release aligns with Coppola's long-held ambition for Megalopolis. Having personally financed the film, making it one of the most expensive independent productions ever, he deliberately chose to forgo domestic streaming services and U.S. market DVDs. His intent, as he expressed, is for the film to be discovered, viewed, and debated for generations, believing its themes of societal rebuilding and political polarization will remain perpetually relevant.
"*Megalopolis* is back in its rightful place, theaters, and the interest in seeing it as was intended is growing," Coppola stated, adding, "I am excited to take part in an interactive Q&A across multiple theaters simultaneously."
Each screening will further enhance the audience experience with hard-copy letters from Coppola, containing his official director's statement for attendees to read prior to the film. The unique "Live Element," a distinctive interactive component that was only available at select initial screenings, will also be part of this return engagement.
Coppola envisions Megalopolis finding its way back into theaters periodically, including an annual tradition of screenings every New Year's Day. This recurring event is intended to symbolize unity and encourage discussions about societal improvement, reflecting the film's core themes. The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring notable talents such as Adam Driver, Shia LaBeouf, Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Nathalie Emmanuel, Laurence Fishburne, Aubrey Plaza, and Giancarlo Esposito.
