Controversy Meets Cinema

Francis Ford Coppola Defends Casting Controversial Actors in Megalopolis: "We Were All Working on One Film Together"

Acclaimed director Francis Ford Coppola defended his casting of controversial actors in Megalopolis, which has garnered varied reviews. The film stars Adam Driver as Cesar, an artist-engineer dreaming of a utopian city, alongside Giancarlo Esposito, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jon Voight, and Shia LaBeouf, both of whom have faced recent public controversy. Despite the polarized reception, Coppola stands by his creative decisions.

In a Rolling Stone interview, Coppola explained that his casting choices, including controversial figures like Jon Voight and Shia LaBeouf, were based on artistic intent rather than politics. He remarked on the intriguing mix of perspectives in the cast.

Cancellations have become a prominent topic in Hollywood, often leading to career consequences for public figures. In Megalopolis, Coppola aims to challenge this notion by bringing together a diverse cast of individuals, some of whom have been embroiled in scandals. LaBeouf, for instance, faced allegations of abuse from his ex-girlfriend, FKA Twigs, though he has denied these accusations. Meanwhile, Voight's political views have made him a polarizing figure.

Beyond his casting choices, Coppola himself has been at the center of controversy. Recent accusations of inappropriate behavior on set have raised questions about his conduct during filming. One viral incident captured the director kissing extras during a dance scene, leading one extra, Lauren Pagone, to express her discomfort: “I was in shock. I didn’t expect him to kiss and hug me like that. I was caught off guard.” However, other extras, like Rayna Menz, have come forward to defend Coppola, stating that he did not make anyone feel uncomfortable.

The controversies surrounding Megalopolis extend beyond casting and on-set behavior. Lionsgate, the film's distributor, recently pulled an advertisement for the film after it was revealed to contain fake quotes — a move that added another layer of scrutiny to the project.

Despite the drama, Coppola remains steadfast in his vision, even as critics offer mixed reviews of his latest work. The Independent’s Geoffrey Macnab described Megalopolis as “deeply flawed and very eccentric,” giving it three stars.