Lionsgate has retracted the trailer for Francis Ford Coppola's 'Megalopolis' after it was discovered that the trailer contained fabricated quotes from famous film critics. The studio has apologized for the error, attributing it to a lapse in their vetting process. This incident is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding the $120 million self-financed movie, which has also faced criticism for alleged unprofessional behavior on set.
In an embarrassing blunder, Lionsgate has withdrawn the promotional trailer for the upcoming movie 'Megalopolis,' directed by Francis Ford Coppola, due to the inclusion of several fabricated quotes attributed to well-known film critics. The studio issued an apology, acknowledging the mistake and the oversight in their review process. This incident adds to the existing concerns about the movie, which has been notable not only for its ambitious scope but also for its tumultuous production history.
The trailer for 'Megalopolis' was designed to create a buzz by featuring negative quotes from critics about Coppola's previous films, suggesting that his new project would also defy initial criticism. However, it was soon discovered that these quotes were entirely fabricated, misattributed to critics such as Pauline Kael, Roger Ebert, and others who had actually praised Coppola's past works. The trailer was pulled from official channels after it was revealed that none of the featured criticisms were genuine, leading to public and professional backlash.
Following the discovery of the fabricated quotes, Lionsgate promptly issued an apology, admitting to the mistake and expressing regret over the misleading content. The studio's spokesperson stated, '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.' This incident has sparked discussions about the ethics of movie marketing and the responsibilities of film studios in maintaining trust with audiences.
The trailer debacle is just one of several issues that have plagued 'Megalopolis.' Previously, the film was criticized for alleged inappropriate behavior by Coppola towards female extras, and its reception at the Cannes Film Festival was mixed. These controversies could potentially impact the film's reception and box office performance, underscoring the challenges it faces ahead of its release. Despite these hurdles, the film remains highly anticipated due to Coppola's storied career and the ambitious nature of the project.
The recall of the 'Megalopolis' trailer due to fabricated critic quotes highlights significant issues within film marketing practices and raises questions about authenticity and trust. As Lionsgate navigates the fallout, the film industry and audiences alike will likely scrutinize promotional materials more closely, seeking assurance that the films they anticipate are presented honestly. The effectiveness of this scrutiny will play a crucial role in shaping future marketing campaigns and, possibly, in determining the success of 'Megalopolis' upon its release.