Coppola pays for “big cities” marketing?

Earlier this week, news came that Francis Ford Coppola's $120 million project “Megalopolis” has finally secured a U.S. distribution deal with Lionsgate to release the film in theaters this fall.

The blockbuster screened in Los Angeles before its premiere at Cannes, and then struggled to find an American studio willing to give the film a wide theatrical release — and all the multi-million-dollar costs that come with that.

It turns out that Lionsgate probably picked it up because it didn't require them to put their money where their mouth was. THR Reports suggest that the young major will not pay for the film's marketing costs.

Alternatively, trade sources suggest that Coppola will likely have to spend an additional $15-$20 million for a release of this size – but the actual number is unknown at this point.

The film will also be shown on some IMAX screens which will be part of its marketing. The film's premiere at Cannes was met with mixed reviews from critics but attracted more attention than most of the other films combined.

“Megalopolis” will be released in theaters in the United States on September 27.