Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola’s upcoming epic, Megalopolis, has been the center of attention due to its deliberate casting of actors who have been previously “canceled” in some way. Coppola explains that he made these choices because he did not want the film to be dismissed as just another “woke Hollywood production.” He wanted to spark a conversation with his film rather than preach to the audience. The cast of Megalopolis includes a mix of actors with varying political views, from arch conservatives to progressives, all working together on one film. This decision was intentional on Coppola’s part to create an interesting dynamic on set.
Megalopolis stars Adam Driver as the ambitious architect Cesar Catilina, who aims to transform a city into a utopia using a new material called megalon. The film, which cost $120 million to produce, also features Giancarlo Esposito and Nathalie Emmanuel in leading roles. However, it is the casting of supporting actors like Shia LaBeouf, Jon Voight, and Dustin Hoffman that has raised eyebrows due to their controversial past actions. LaBeouf is currently facing a lawsuit for allegations of physical and sexual abuse, while Hoffman has been accused of sexual harassment in the past. Voight, on the other hand, is known for his far-right beliefs and support of former President Donald Trump.
Despite the controversy surrounding the cast, Coppola hopes that Megalopolis will spark a conversation about the future and the division in the country. He believes that discussing these issues openly is essential to overcoming those who seek to destroy the republic. The film, which features a diverse cast of actors with varying political opinions, aims to contribute to this dialogue. Coppola emphasizes the importance of having conversations about the future and believes that a utopia cannot exist without open discourse.
Ironically, Jon Voight’s character in Megalopolis is described as a Caligula-esque figure satirizing a Trump-like persona. However, Voight has publicly disagreed with this interpretation of his role. Despite the differences in opinion, Coppola appreciates the range of political views showcased by the performers in the film. The inclusion of characters like Voight’s adds another layer of complexity to the story and sparks discussion about the political landscape.
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis is a film that challenges the audience to confront difficult topics and engage in meaningful conversations about the future. Through deliberate casting choices and a diverse range of opinions, Coppola aims to create a thought-provoking narrative that transcends typical Hollywood productions. Despite the controversy surrounding the film, Coppola’s vision remains clear: to start a dialogue that will ultimately lead to a better understanding of the world we live in.