Lionsgate Pulls Megalopolis Trailer over Fabricated Critic Quotes

Lionsgate has recalled the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola’s new film “Megalopolis” after it was discovered that quotes from critics were fabricated. A spokesperson for the company issued an apology, stating, “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.”

The trailer, which was released on Wednesday, contained misleading quotes from renowned critics such as Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert. Contrary to what the trailer suggested, these quotes were not part of their actual reviews. The misleading quotes seemed to aim at emphasizing the critical divisiveness of Coppola’s now-classic films like “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” to frame “Megalopolis” similarly, a self-financed $120 million epic set to open in September.

TRUSTED PARTNER ✅

One false quote attributed to Kael claimed she described “The Godfather” as “diminished by its artsiness.” In reality, Kael was an admirer of “The Godfather,” as evidenced by her March 1972 review in The New Yorker, where such a phrase did not appear. Likewise, Ebert never wrote that Coppola’s “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” was “a triumph of style over substance.” Other quotes attributed to Rex Reed and Vincent Canby regarding “Apocalypse Now” were similarly fabricated.

“Megalopolis” has been in development for decades and garnered mixed reviews at its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. The film has recently faced scrutiny following allegations of misconduct on set, prompted by leaked videos showing Coppola hugging and kissing extras during a club scene. Representatives have so far not responded to requests for comment about the incident.

The film is scheduled to have its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival next month before its theatrical release on September 27.