With Megalopolis featuring a colorful cast of characters, Francis Ford Coppola has revealed the sweet origins behind the name of Aubrey Plaza’s Wow Platinum. Coppola’s epic sci-fi fable of an architect striving to rebuild a dystopian metropolis into a futuristic utopia drew in some of the biggest stars in the film industry, including Adam Driver in the lead role, as well as Plaza, Nathalie Emmanuel and Shia LaBeouf, among many others. Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked much in the movie’s favor, as Megalopolis has left critics and audiences thoroughly polarized and is bombing at the box office.
Shortly after the film’s release, Coppola hosted a Q&A with fans via the official Megalopolis Twitter account to discuss his sci-fi epic. Amid the posts was user @mrhenrywaffle’s question regarding the origin behind the name of Plaza’s Wow Platinum, with the writer/director revealing the character’s name came from a real fan’s great-grandmother, whose name evolved into “WOW” due to her beauty. Check out the original question and Coppola’s response in the post below:
What This Means for Megalopolis’ Wow Platinum
The Name Perfectly Fits Coppola’s Themes
Based on his response to the question, it’s clear that Coppola felt Megalopolis‘ Wow Platinum was a name meant to spark a feeling of wonder and admiration, reflecting the character’s ability to captivate those around her. Plaza’s Wow Platinum is designed to embody that sense of awe, leaving a powerful impression on the audience, much like the Southern great-grandmother whose beauty inspired the writer/director to carry her story forward in his own way.
The addition of “Platinum” also gives the aura of permanence and value, signifying her lasting impact within Megalopolis‘ intricate and surreal world. This choice reflects Coppola’s meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every aspect of a character serves a purpose in conveying the film’s broader themes.
Our Take On This Wow-Worthy Name
Coppola’s revelation about the name “Wow Platinum” gives us insight into his storytelling approach. The name isn’t just a whimsical or flashy choice, but is deeply symbolic. “Wow” reflects the immediate awe the character inspires, while “Platinum” suggests something refined, rare, and enduring. This dual meaning aligns perfectly with the character’s role in Megalopolis, a film that explores the impact of individuals on society and how some people leave behind a lasting legacy.
By tying the character’s name to both admiration and timelessness, Coppola reinforces the film’s thematic focus on human ambition and influence. The name Wow Platinum adds layers to the character, making her more than just an object of fascination but a representation of a lasting impact in a futuristic world. This attention to symbolism shows Coppola’s mastery of weaving together character and theme, enriching the audience’s understanding of Megalopolis’ deeper messages.
With Megalopolis now in theaters, fans are diving in into the film’s characters and the meaning behind their names. Coppola’s explanation of Wow Platinum has only heightened interest, adding a fresh layer of intrigue to an already buzzworthy character. As audiences continue to explore Megalopolis‘ complex narrative, the significance of Wow Platinum’s name will undoubtedly remain a key point of discussion.
Source: Francis Ford Coppola/Twitter
