Francis Ford Coppola Eyeing Casting For ‘Megalopolis’

Believe it or not, in just a few days’ time, Francis Ford Coppola turns 80-years young. But age seems to be just a number for the legendary filmmaker, who is finally ready to turn one of his dream projects into a reality.

According to Deadline, Coppola revealed Wednesday that he is planning to direct Megalopolis, which the outlet is describing as “a sprawling film as ambitious as Apocalypse Now (which he famously directed).” He has a completed script and is currently in talks with potential actors to star in the picture. Jude Law is one among many names that are being thrown around.

Story details are scarce, however, Deadline did mention that Megalopolis takes place in New York and is about an architect’s attempt to create a utopia in the Big Apple, only to be combated by the mayor. Interestingly enough, some second unit footage was shot back when the project was originally announced; however, that was before the 9/11 terror attacks, which ultimately halted the film’s production.

Speaking to Deadline, Coopola said:

“So yes, I plan this year to begin my longstanding ambition to make a major work utilizing all I have learned during my long career, beginning at age 16 doing theater, and that will be an epic on a grand scale, which I’ve titled Megalopolis.”

Coppola continues:

“It is unusual; it will be a production on a grand scale with a large cast. It makes use of all of my years of trying films in different styles and types culminating in what I think is my own voice and aspiration. It is not within the mainstream of what is produced now, but I am intending and wishing and in fact encouraged, to begin production this year.”

Coppola recently locked Apocalypse Now: Final Cut, the version of the film which he is, after all these years, most happy with. This new vision will premiere at the upcoming Tribeca Film Festival.

What do you make of this news? Are you excited to see a new film from Francis Ford Coppola? Are you interested in seeing yet another edit of Apocalypse Now? Sound off in the comments below with your thoughts!