Legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has made headlines with his latest film, Megalopolis. In a recent interview, Coppola shared that he intentionally cast actors who had been “canceled” in the past to avoid his film being labeled as a “woke Hollywood production.” This decision has sparked significant conversation, particularly given the controversial histories of some of the actors involved.
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Coppola’s Controversial Casting for Megalopolis
Coppola’s decision to cast actors such as Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, and Dustin Hoffman is a direct response to the current cultural climate in Hollywood. LaBeouf, for instance, is embroiled in a lawsuit filed by his ex-girlfriend, singer FKA Twigs, who has accused him of sexual abuse. Hoffman faced allegations of sexual harassment involving a 17-year-old intern during the production of the 1985 film Death of a Salesman. Jon Voight, known for his outspoken support of former President Donald Trump, has also been a figure of controversy, particularly in his strained relationship with his daughter, actress Angelina Jolie.
Coppola explained that he wanted to create a film that wouldn’t be dismissed as a preachy, politically correct project. By bringing together actors from different political and social backgrounds, he aimed to foster a discussion about the deep divisions currently present in America.
Megalopolis is set in a dystopian future where a catastrophic event has left a city, reminiscent of New York, in ruins. The story follows Adam Driver’s character, an ambitious architect who dreams of building a utopian city from the ashes. However, his vision puts him at odds with the city’s ruthless mayor and other powerful figures who see his dream as a threat to their control.
Coppola has stated that the film is intended to spark a conversation about the divisions in America today. He believes that by addressing these issues, the country can find the energy needed to overcome those who seek to destroy it.
Megalopolis has been surrounded by controversy since its debut at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, where it received mixed reviews. In addition to the casting choices, Coppola himself was the subject of headlines after reports emerged that he allegedly kissed extras during the filming of a party scene. This incident added fuel to the fire, further polarizing opinions about the film.
Another controversy arose when Lionsgate, the studio behind Megalopolis, had to pull its trailer offline. The trailer had featured made-up quotes from movie critics, which led to backlash and criticism of the studio’s marketing tactics.
Despite the controversies, Megalopolis is set to be released in theaters on September 27, 2024. Before its official release, the film will also be screened at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it is expected to generate further discussion and debate.
The film’s cast includes a mix of seasoned actors and rising stars, with Aubrey Plaza, Laurence Fishburne, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Giancarlo Esposito joining Adam Driver, Dustin Hoffman, and others in bringing Coppola’s vision to life.
Coppola’s decision to cast “canceled” actors is a bold move that reflects his desire to challenge the current state of Hollywood and spark meaningful dialogue about the divisions within America. Whether Megalopolis will succeed in bridging these divides remains to be seen, but it is clear that the film has already made an impact before even hitting theaters.
