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Initially hailed as one of the most anticipated films of the year, Francis Ford Coppola’sMegalopolisis 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’sMegalopolisFaces Backlash For Fabricated Negative Reviews
Lionsgate recently released a new trailer for the upcoming sci-fi dramaMegalopolis. Sharing a brief glimpse into the film, the trailer takes a more confrontational approach to its marketing.
Before leading intoMegalopolis, the trailer begins with what appear to be quotes from renowned critics’ reviews ofFrancis Ford Coppola’sprevious films such asThe GodfatherandApocalypse 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.”
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“The trivial scandal of all this is that the whole Megalopolis trailer is built on a false narrative,”he further said, as perVariety. 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
Dude, the press surrounding this movie has just been a disaster. Pretty much killed any anticipation I had.
“Your negative review quotes in the recent trailer were a bit… irregular.”pic.twitter.com/Ym1z6UHYbv
It seems it already did and Coppola’s behind the scenes creeping isn’t helping
I guess like, at least they apologised? I don’t know what’s happening this whole thing is so weird 😭
Why would they include fake quotes disparaging the movie??
Prior to the trailer fiasco, the film was already under scrutiny after a viral clip showed the acclaimedfilmmaker’s inappropriate behavior,as he was seen attempting to kiss young female extras on set.
“I’ve been playing Jews ever since”: Francis Ford Coppola Convinced a Batman Star to Play a Jew in The Godfather Against His Wish With 1 Trick That Stuck With Him Forever
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.
Megalopolisis set to release in theatres on August 17, 2025.
Laxmi Rajput
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3448
Laxmi Rajput is a Senior Writer at FandomWire, with over 3,300 articles published covering film, TV, and pop culture. With a degree in Broadcast Journalism and over three years of experience in content writing, she pivoted to entertainment journalism because let’s be honest, superheroes, sitcoms, and Netflix binges are way more fun. Laxmi frequently covers Marvel, Harry Potter, Star Wars, and popular TV shows, offering both fan-first enthusiasm and thoughtful analysis. Her work often dives into Marvel theories, revisits the genius of The Big Bang Theory, or unpacks the Netflix phenomenon of Stranger Things.
