In a surprising turn of events, Lionsgate issued an apology and pulled the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola's highly anticipated film, "Megalopolis," after it was revealed that the critics' quotes used were fabricated. The studio expressed deep regret for the error and extended apologies to the involved critics, as well as to Coppola and American Zoetrope, recognizing the inexcusable oversight during the vetting process.

The trailer, released on Wednesday, featured snippets allegedly praising Coppola's previous works, including quotes from renowned critics such as Pauline Kael and Roger Ebert. However, upon closer examination, it was discovered that these quotes did not originate from their actual reviews. It appears that the intention was to demonstrate the critical divisiveness of Coppola's iconic films like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," in an effort to create anticipation for "Megalopolis," which is set to be a self-financed $120 million epic slated for a September release.

For instance, the trailer attributed a quote to Kael suggesting that "The Godfather" was "diminished by its artsiness." Yet, Kael's March 1972 review in The New Yorker contradicts this statement as she expressed her admiration for the film. Similarly, Ebert did not describe Coppola's "Bram Stoker's Dracula" as "a triumph of style over substance." Quotes from Rex Reed and Vincent Canby, regarding "Apocalypse Now," were also found to be absent from their respective reviews.

Unfortunately, this incident further adds to the controversy surrounding "Megalopolis." Earlier this year, a report published in The Guardian accused Coppola of engaging in "old school" behavior towards women on set. According to sources, the director allegedly made inappropriate advances by pulling women onto his lap and attempting to kiss topless or scantily clad female extras during the filming of a nightclub scene. While Coppola claimed that he was merely trying to create the right ambiance, these allegations have drawn criticism.

Despite the accusations, Darren Demetre, the executive co-producer of "Megalopolis," defended Coppola, stating that he had worked closely with the director for over 35 years and had not witnessed any complaints of harassment or ill behavior during the project. He acknowledged that Coppola had used friendly hugs and kisses on the cheek during a celebratory club scene to establish the desired atmosphere.

The impact of this controversy and the pulled trailer on the release of "Megalopolis" remains to be seen. Lionsgate's swift action to rectify the situation demonstrates their commitment to maintaining integrity in the promotion of films. However, the incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater diligence and accuracy in the marketing process to ensure transparency and avoid misrepresentation.

At the time of this writing, there has been no comment from Coppola or his representative regarding the fabricated critics' quotes or the allegations of inappropriate behavior. As audiences await further updates, it remains to be seen how this will affect the reception and success of Coppola's ambitious cinematic venture.