- Revised trailer devoid of deceitful dialogues
Lionsgate retracted the fresh trailer for "Megalopolis" (2024) shortly after its debut. seems like the primary cause was inaccurate critic quotes featured within the trailer, based on media outlets' accounts. "We blundered," Lionsgate issued an apology in a statement shared by "Variety".
Regret for "inexcusable blunder"
"We deeply regret our mistake in allowing such dishonest critic quotes in our screening process," stated a Lionsgate rep in a statement provided to "Variety". "We apologize," the spokesperson also added. As reported by "Variety", the trailer, which debuted on August 21, incorporated negative critique quotes from classic films by Francis Ford Coppola (85), who is associated with American Zoetrope. Lionsgate planned to showcase these criticisms to highlight how these movies emerged as classics despite their initial unfavorable reviews.
For instance, according to the report, Pauline Kael (1919-2001) was falsely attributed with stating that "The Godfather" (1972) was "diminished by its craftsmanship". Journalist Andrew Sarris (1928-2012) was also misquoted as claiming the film to be "sloppy and self-indulgent". Other critics were similarly misrepresented. In addition, Roger Ebert's (1942-2013) comment about "style over substance" was accredited to the wrong film – his critique was for "Batman" (1989) rather than Coppola's "Bram Stoker's Dracula" (1992).
Misrepresented film critic's response
"Even if you're among those who dislike critics, we don't have the right to distort their words," remarked misquoted film expert Owen Gleiberman (65) in the "Variety" article. According to the medium, he never described "Bram Stoker's Dracula" as a "beautiful disaster". Gleiberman also took issue with the trailer's concept, as critics had largely adored "The Godfather".
"Megalopolis" enthusiasts can shape their individual perceptions of the film from September 26. The film will be released in the US on September 27. In this sci-fi drama, Adam Driver (40) portrays the lead character Cesar Catilina, who seeks to revive New Rome after its ruination according to his vision. Other cast members include acting greats like Giancarlo Esposito (66), Nathalie Emmanuel (35), and Shia LaBeouf (38).
- The apology issued by Lionsgate mentions their regret for allowing ["inexcusable blunder"] of incorporating inaccurate critic quotes into the trailer for "Megalopolis".
- Owen Gleiberman, who was misquoted, pointed out that distorting critic's words is unacceptable, stating that ["even if you're among those who dislike critics, we don't have the right to distort their words"].
