Adam Driver Responds To Rumors Of ‘Chaos’ On ‘Megalopolis’ Set

Actor Adam Driver has something to say about the recent reports that there is chaos on the set of Francis Ford Coppola's new movie, "Megalopolis."

Coppola's passion project has been decades in the making. The Academy Award-winning filmmaker is reportedly funding the project himself, although it sounds like trouble might be brewing on set.

On January 9, The Hollywood Reporter published an article featuring quotes from anonymous sources who describe “chaos” on set. Although the movie is halfway through filming in Atlanta, the 83-year-old director reportedly cut the entire visual effects team in December.

In the last week, the crew’s production designer and supervising art director reportedly quit, leading many to wonder if Coppola's vision will ever come to fruition. However, the "Star Wars" alum, who appeared as Kylo Ren and the redeemed Ben Solo in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, wants fans to rest assured that the movie is proceeding as scheduled.

In an interview with Deadline the following day, Driver said, “I’d like to briefly respond to The Hollywood Reporter article published Monday, January 9th,” adding, “All good here! Not sure what set you’re talking about! I don’t recognize that one! I’ve been on sets that were chaotic and this one is far from it.

The two-time Academy Award-nominated actor had nothing but praise for Coppola, saying, “The environment that’s being created by Francis, is one of focus and inspiration. As of now, we’re on schedule, making our days, and honestly, it’s been one of the best shooting experiences I’ve had."

"Our crew is fast and inventive, our costume department is on point, the actors are incredible and willing, and Francis is one of the most insightful and caring people to work with," he continued.

"I’m very proud to be making this movie with him, and them, and though I haven’t interviewed everyone, I can confidently say that that’s the general attitude on set."

Although Driver admitted that there were some problems with staffing, he does not believe that it will affect the film's production. Coppola himself told Deadline that they plan to finish up on schedule and wrap shooting by the spring of 2023.

“Yes, it is true that the art department resigned and VFX were let go," Driver admitted.  "Not all departments find cohesion on films and rather than suffer through and making decisions that leave a lasting impression on the film, people quit, get fired, or part ways. It’s unfortunate when it happens, but this production is not out of pocket in comparison to other productions; especially to the point that it merits an article about us descending into chaos. That characterization is inaccurate."

“No one signed up for this movie expecting the process to be conventional. We were expecting the opposite in the pursuit of making something unique," Driver added.

"The only madness I’ve observed is that more productions aren’t allowed to be as creatively wild and experimentally focused, precisely because someone else is paying for it. It’s an effort and risk by Francis that I feel should be applauded, not publicly mischaracterized as troubled.”

For his part, Coppola also had nothing to say about his cast. In addition to the "Girls" alum, Nathalie Emmanuel, Forest Whitaker, Laurence Fishburne, Jon Voight, Talia Shire, Jason Schwartzman, and Dustin Hoffman are also set to star.

“I’ve never worked on a film where I was so happy with the cast,” Coppola told Deadline. “I am so happy with the look and that we are so on schedule. These reports never say who these sources are. To them, I say, ha, ha, just wait and see. Because this is a beautiful film and primarily so because the cast is so great."

"I’ve never enjoyed working with a cast who are so hardworking and so willing to go search for the unconventional, to come upon hidden solutions. It is a thrill to work with these actors and the photography is everything I could hope for," he continued.

"The dailies are great. So if we’re on schedule, and I love the actors and the look is great, I don’t know what anyone’s talking about here.”