Francis Ford Coppola is recovering well in Rome after a non-emergency medical procedure. The Godfather director reassured fans with a smiling photo on Instagram.
Acclaimed Director Undergoes Scheduled Procedure in Rome
Francis Ford Coppola, the legendary American filmmaker behind The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, is recovering comfortably in Rome after undergoing a non-emergency medical procedure. The 86-year-old director, currently in Italy for promotional events, received care from his long-time physician at a public hospital in the Italian capital.
Procedure Was Planned, Not Emergency
A U.S.-based representative for Coppola confirmed on Tuesday that the procedure was pre-scheduled and not prompted by any medical emergency. The director was admitted to Policlinico Tor Vergata, a hospital in southeast Rome, where he was treated by Dr. Andrea Natale, a renowned cardiac electrophysiologist and Coppola’s physician for over 30 years.
“Mr. Coppola went in for a scheduled update procedure with acclaimed Dr. Andrea Natale and is resting nicely,” the representative said, responding to Italian media reports suggesting a hospitalization.
Online Reassurance to Fans
Following public speculation, Coppola posted a smiling photo of himself on Instagram with a caption designed to calm concerns. “Da Dada (what my kids call me) is fine, taking an opportunity while in Rome to do the update of my 30-year-old afib procedure with its inventor,” he wrote, referring to Dr. Natale.
His message emphasized his good spirits and clarified that the procedure was routine. He did not elaborate on medical specifics but added, “I am well.”
Misinformation Disputed by Team
Reports from Italian outlet repubblica.it claimed Coppola experienced atrial fibrillation — a form of irregular heartbeat — before surgery. However, Coppola’s representative firmly denied that account, stating, “There was not an emergency. He went to the hospital in a car,” and labeling the atrial fibrillation claim as “not true.”
As of publication, the hospital had not responded to media inquiries regarding his stay.
In Italy Promoting Megalopolis
Coppola was already in Italy for events tied to his ambitious film project Megalopolis, a $120-million USD self-funded sci-fi epic. The film explores a visionary architect’s attempt to transform a dystopian future New York, reimagined as “New Rome,” into a utopia.
After premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival to mixed reviews and limited box office success, Megalopolis was recently screened at the Magna Graecia Film Festival in Catanzaro, Italy.
Legacy and Resilience
While concerns briefly arose over the director’s health, Coppola’s public reassurance and positive updates reflect his enduring resilience — a quality mirrored in his cinematic legacy. For Canadian fans and global audiences alike, the news offers comfort and a reminder of the 86-year-old auteur’s unwavering passion for storytelling and innovation.
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