Francis Ford Coppola regrets starting Hollywood's sequel trend

In an interview reflecting on his career, Francis Ford Coppola, the renowned director known for his work on The Godfather trilogy, expressed his regret for inadvertently launching the Hollywood trend of sequels. This admission came after the premiere of his latest project, Megalopolis, at the Cannes Film Festival, where it garnered mixed reactions from the audience. Coppola revealed that while making the first two parts of The Godfather between 1972 and 1974, he proposed calling the second film The Godfather Part II, a move that was initially dismissed by Paramount Pictures as ‘nuts.’ He believed this title would discourage the studio from proceeding with the sequel, but his insistence led to them agreeing when he threatened to walk away from the project. This has left Coppola feeling like 'the jerk that started numbers on movies,' and he publicly apologized for this trend, acknowledging its lasting impact on the film industry. In a broader context, Coppola's discussion also covered his feelings about missing out on the Best Director Oscar for The Godfather, which he thought was a likely win for him at the awards ceremony. Instead, he lost to Bob Fosse for the musical Cabaret, which he later reflected on with gratitude, recognizing Fosse's immense talent and contributions to cinema. This introspection highlights Coppola's complex relationship with both his successes and regrets in the filmmaking arena. His reflections come at a time when the film industry continues to grapple with the ongoing trend of sequels and franchises, which many critics argue dilutes creativity. Coppola's admission serves as a candid reminder of how pivotal decisions in filmmaking can lead to widespread industry changes, often with unintended consequences that last for decades. As Coppola returned to directing after a 13-year hiatus with Megalopolis, the film’s release can be seen as both a comeback and a reevaluation of his legacy as a filmmaker, especially against the backdrop of Hollywood's evolving landscape. He has pointed out that, like many directors, he once aspired to the recognition that comes with awards but has since gained a more nuanced perspective on artistic achievement and the importance of creativity over commercial trends. His apology for initiating the sequel phenomenon is not just a personal reflection but also a critique of the current state of Hollywood, emphasizing the desire for original storytelling amidst a sea of sequels and reboots that dominate the box office today. Coppola's journey illustrates the tension between personal aspirations and industry practices, inviting further dialogue on the future directions of filmmaking.