### Coppola's "Megalopolis" Faces An Uncertain Financial Future Despite Massive Investment

Francis Ford Coppola's latest endeavor, the sci-fi epic "Megalopolis," has hit theaters with an underwhelming initial box office forecast. The film, which debuted on Friday, is expected to bring in between $5 to $7 million during its opening weekend, a stark contrast to the substantial investment Coppola has poured into the project.

The legendary filmmaker, known for classics like "The Godfather" series and "Apocalypse Now," reportedly invested over $100 million in "Megalopolis." While Coppola mentioned a $120 million figure in a 2022 interview, more recent reports from The Wall Street Journal, citing anonymous sources, suggest the final number could be as high as $136 million.

"Megalopolis" has been a passion project for Coppola, with the narrative centered around a futuristic version of New York City reimagined through a Roman lens. Despite the grandeur of its premise, the film has garnered mixed reviews. The Wall Street Journal notably described it as a "spectacular catastrophe," adding to the string of controversies surrounding the project.

Complicating the film's reception are allegations of inappropriate behavior by Coppola on set, which the director has vigorously denied. Moreover, an incident involving the film's distributor, Lionsgate, who retracted a trailer after it used misleading critic quotes, further marred the launch.

To finance "Megalopolis," Coppola turned to his successful wine business, the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. In 2021, he merged it with Delicato Family Wines in a deal valued at $650 million, retaining ownership of the Inglenook estate and its original vineyards. This merger enabled him to secure a $200 million loan, a portion of which financed the film and other projects linked to his estate in Inglewood and the Sentinel Building in San Francisco.

Coppola remains optimistic about his financial gamble, expressing confidence in the film's future success and suggesting that any box office shortcomings might be mitigated through strategic tax write-downs. His son, Roman Coppola, shared an encouraging perspective, viewing his father's risk-taking as a thrilling pursuit of passion.

As "Megalopolis" begins its journey in theaters, its fate remains uncertain, but Coppola's bold financial maneuvers underscore his unwavering commitment to his artistic vision.