Francis Ford Coppola’s star-studded epic,Megalopolis,is finally seeing the light of day, over 45 years after its initial conception. Initially being conceived as a fable of a futuristic American city serving as a hybrid between New York and Rome (aptly named ‘New Rome’), the project has been a passion project for Coppola for many, many years, with the film first entering development in the 1980s before a variety of setbacks left the project cold. That was untilCoppola decided to personally fund his $120 million epicand began the filming process in late 2022, which concluded in March 2023.
Coppola’s latest epic has quickly become one of 2024’s most perplexing films, receiving mixed to negative reviews after itsCannes Film Festival premiereand puzzling audiences ever since. Some have praised the film for the sheer scale and ambition (and for the fact that it even exists, to begin with), while others have criticized its script and messy story, but regardless of where each individual lands on Coppola’s unique vision,Megalopoliswill surely go down asone of the most talked-about and divisive movies of the year. But one thing is undeniable, and that is the incredible cast that Coppola has assembled to bring this story to life. Here’s a guide to the cast and characters of Francis Ford Coppola’sMegalopolis.
Adam Driver
Cesar Catilina
In a story chock-full of references to Roman history, it’s only natural for the protagonist’s name to be a reference toone of Ancient Rome’s most important figures, Julius Ceasar.Ceasar was a Roman general and politician who overthrew Rome’s decaying governmental structure and appointed himself dictator, altering the course of Roman history forever, despite his assassination shortly after. Not only does Coppola’s name choice instantly invoke questions of the protagonist’s morality that persist throughout the story, but it offers a fascinating juxtaposition between the famous (or infamous) Roman dictator and the character of Cesar Catilina, as both seek to create what they believe to be a Utopian society, but by different means and moral guidelines.
Catilina is portrayed by the incomparableAdam Driver, known for his Oscar-nominated performances inSpike Lee’sBlacKKKlansmanandNoah Baumbach’sMarriage Story. But despite his incredible efforts in both mainstream and arthouse cinema alike, most will know Adam Driver as the iconic sci-fi villainKylo Ren/Ben Solo in theStar Warssequel trilogy. Driver will soon be collaborating with another legendary filmmaker,Michael Mann, on the hotly anticipated sequelHeat 2, where Driver is rumored to be portraying Neil McCauley,Robert De Niro’s character in the original 1995 film.
Nathalie Emmanuel
Julia Cicero
Fast & Furiousstar Nathalie Emmanuelportrays the character of Julia Cicero, who serves as the love interest to Driver’s Cesar, as well as the female lead ofMegalopolis. Alongside her tenure in theFastsaga, Emmanuel is known for her role of Missandei inHBO’sGame of Thrones, as well as the role of Harriet in theMaze Runnerfranchise. Most recently, Emmanuel can be seen in theMark Wahlberg-starring adventure dramaArthur the King, in addition toJohn Woo’s action-packed remake,The Killer,streaming on Peacock.
Giancarlo Esposito
Mayor Cicero
Giancarlo Espositostars as Mayor Cicero, the illustrious mayor ofMegalopolis’New Rome. Cicero serves as one of the two primary adversaries to Driver’s Catilina, as well as father to Emmanuel’s Julia, which stirs up some expected turmoil between the leads. Esposito has been a terrific character actor for many decades, with his most famous role perhaps being that ofGus Fring in the award-winning seriesBreaking Bad,which cemented his status as the perfect villain. Esposito has since played many notable antagonistic roles in other projects, such asThe Mandalorianand even Ubisoft’s blockbuster game sequelFar Cry 6.He will also reappear in Marvel’s upcomingCaptain America: Brave New World, where he is rumored to be portraying the villainous Sidewinder.
Shia LaBeouf
Clodio Pulcher
Clodio Pulcher is the dastardly cousin to Cesar Catilina, who plots to destroy his cousin and take all of his fame and glory for himself. He’s a classic Shakespearean rival, andShia LaBeouf’s unhinged performance is a sight for the ages. Labeouf has been known for a variety of exciting roles across his acting career.
The role of Sam Witwicky inMichael Bay’s smash-hitTransformersfranchiseis likely LaBeouf’s most notable role to mainstream audiences, but a close second would be the part of Mutt Williams, the son ofHarrison Ford’s Indiana Jones inIndiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Following his status as a blockbuster star, Labeouf began stepping back to largely starring in artsy auteur cinema, with notable efforts being in 2019’sThe Peanut Butter Falconand 2020’sPieces of a Woman.
Aubrey Plaza
Wow Platinum
Aubrey Plazais the self-centered TV financial reporter Wow Platinum (yes, that is her name), who’s out for the fortune ofJon Voight’s Hamilton Crassus III. Wow Platinum is the biggest wild card inMegalopolis' eclectic cast of color characters, nearly rivaling Shia LaBeouf’s Clodio in eccentricity. Aubrey Plaza has long been an industry darling, starring in many comedy films and series, such asScott Pilgrim vs. the World,Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, andThe To-Do List. Plaza has also found success in more dramatic films likeIngrid Goes Westand the more recentEmily the Criminal. Plaza also happens to have two films releasing this weekend, withMegan Park’sMy Old Asshitting theaters alongsideMegalopolis.
Everybody Else in ‘Megalopolis’
ButMegalopolis' all-star cast does stop there, however. Here are the other prestigious talents you’re able to expect to meet in the city of New Rome:
Megalopolis
An architect wants to rebuild New York City as a utopia following a devastating disaster.
