(Image Source: Lionsgate)
Typically, even if a film suffers a major box office setback during its initial theatrical run, it can still gradually recoup its costs and even turn a profit through physical media sales, streaming, and television licensing after leaving cinemas. Therefore, a box office flop isn't necessarily the final outcome for a movie. However, Francis Ford Coppola's self-funded and self-directed "Megalopolis" has seemingly abandoned any chance of rewriting its fate, having cost hundreds of millions to produce and grossing less than $15 million worldwide. This decision, notably, comes directly from Coppola himself.
The Hollywood Reporter (THR) recently reported that "Megalopolis" is currently unavailable on major U.S. streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes. Furthermore, no DVD, Blu-ray, or 4K Blu-ray editions are available for purchase. For those wishing to experience "Megalopolis," the only option is to attend sporadic special screenings, which Coppola himself has been touring to introduce.
(Image Source: Abrams ComicArts)
According to sources cited by THR, Coppola has actively foregone any distribution methods beyond theatrical exhibition. He reportedly does not want audiences to view "Megalopolis" on television, preferring that they experience it on the big screen, even if it means continuing with small, limited screenings and struggling to recoup costs. Indeed, commercial profit was never his primary consideration; Coppola famously self-funded the film with hundreds of millions of his personal fortune, deliberately avoiding studio investment to maintain complete creative freedom.
Beyond the U.S., "Megalopolis" has not been released on streaming platforms in most countries, let alone on physical media. For fans unable to catch it in U.S. theaters, the current options are limited to pirated copies circulating online or attempting to access it via a handful of international platforms or physical media orders in select overseas markets.
Interestingly, despite Coppola's strenuous efforts to prevent "Megalopolis" from being shown outside of cinemas, he has given Abrams ComicArts permission to release a graphic novel adaptation of "Megalopolis," even allowing its creators to develop distinct storylines and visual styles. The book is slated for official release in October.