How will theaters handle the live performance of 'Megalopolis' with Adam Driver once it is shown across the country?

After much anticipation, the film "Megalopolis" is finally hitting theaters. Movie enthusiasts have been eagerly awaiting Francis Ford Coppola's latest creation for months, despite the controversies surrounding it, and now they will have the opportunity to experience the polarizing and unconventional film.

Lionsgate is making an effort to maintain the immersive theatrical experience that captivated audiences at Cannes during the premiere. This includes a standout scene in the film: the live "Megalopolis" moment featuring Adam Driver.

In this scene, Cesar Catalina (played by Driver) engages with reporters during a press conference, with his reactions captured in close-up shots. While the questions are off-screen, viewers at Cannes and elsewhere witnessed a live individual in the auditorium posing the questions for Catalina to respond to.

This unique fourth-wall-breaking moment has been a fan favorite since Cannes and was replicated during the IMAX Experience screenings, where special guests were invited to interact with Driver's character. Across 60 different screening locations, a live component was integrated. For instance, at the Los Angeles screening, entertainment journalist Scott Mantz was called upon to stand in the front with a microphone.

Some fans have shared videos and photos from these screenings, showcasing the interactive elements. At certain venues, guests were provided with microphones or placed on raised platforms. For example, at a screening in Tampa attended by IndieWire, a microphone stand was set up before the film began, although the lighting conditions made it challenging to discern the setup.

When the film expands its release this weekend, select theaters will continue this live element, with another performer joining the screening to participate in the scene with Driver's character, replicating the experience of the IMAX screenings.

These special "Megalopolis" screenings, labeled as "The Ultimate Experience," will include a "Live Participant" as part of the movie. While most screenings will be on IMAX or PLF screens, a few will be available on standard screens as well.

Due to logistical challenges, not all locations will feature the Live Participant. With the movie opening on 1,700 screens and 200 IMAX locations, only select showtimes on Friday and Saturday will offer the Ultimate Experience in 23 different markets in North America, with potential for more to be added later. Those without the live element will have a traditional audio track substituting for the interactive component.

Speculation arose about involving theater employees or random audience members in the live scenes, but these options seem impractical. The future participation in the interactive screenings of "Megalopolis" upon its home video or streaming release remains uncertain.

During a pre-screening Q&A streamed live to attendees, Coppola engaged in a discussion with Robert De Niro and Spike Lee, touching on topics like Donald Trump and the upcoming Presidential election.

Projected to have a modest $5 million opening weekend at the domestic box office, "Megalopolis" places the financial responsibility on Coppola himself rather than Lionsgate. Coppola not only self-financed the movie with a $120 million budget but also took on the marketing and distribution costs to bring the film to theaters.

Despite the financial burden, Coppola's vision for real-time innovations in cinema, as discussed in his book "Live Cinema and Its Techniques," is being put to the test with "Megalopolis." Audiences now have the opportunity to witness whether his predictions about digital technology transforming the movie experience will come to fruition.