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Legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola, 86, hospitalized in Italy: report thumbnail

Legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola, 86, hospitalized in Italy: report

Director Francis Ford Coppola was reportedly hospitalized after experiencing an irregular heartbeat in Italy Tuesday.

The “Godfather” director, 86, allegedly suffered from a mild cardiac arrhythmia and was put under observation, the Mirror reported.

He reportedly went to the hospital for a pre-scheduled heart surgery, but after arriving, medical professionals uncovered his condition.

Francis Ford Coppola attends the Saint Laurent Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2025 in Paris, France.

Francis Ford Coppola was reportedly hospitalized after experiencing a mild cardiac arrhythmia — an irregular heartbeat — while in Italy. Getty Images

Director Francis Ford Coppola attends 'Megalopolis' An Evening With Francis Ford Coppola and Grace VanderWaal at the Chicago Theatre

According to the Mirror, the “Godfather” director was put under observation. Timothy Hiatt/Shutterstock

“Mr. Coppola went in for a scheduled update procedure with acclaimed Dr. Andrea Natale, his doctor of over 30 years, and is resting nicely,” an insider told People.

“All is well and he appreciates everyone’s concern.”

Reps for Coppola weren’t immediately available to Page Six for comment.

The legendary filmmaker was in Italy for a screening of his 2024 sci-fi drama film, “Megalopolis,” at the Magna Graecia Film Festival, according to Ansa.

Speaking to a crowd, he reportedly told them, “Young people tell me the world is a mess, but I tell them there’s no problem that humanity can’t solve.”

Director Francis Ford Coppola, center, talks with Joseph Wolfson, right, after signing a wine bottle for him at the Sherry-Lehmann liquor store in Manhattan, New York City

He reportedly arrived at the hospital for scheduled heart surgery when his irregular heartbeat was detected. AP

Directors Francis Ford Coppola and daughter Sofia Coppola attend The Governors Ball after the 76th Annual Academy Awards at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel on February 29, 2004 in Hollywood, California

Reps for Coppola weren’t immediately available to Page Six for comment. Getty Images

“We must build a great new future, and do it together for the sake of our children. And tonight, we’re taking a leap into the future,” Coppola added.

The outlet reported that the legendary filmmaker was abroad looking for locations to shoot an upcoming film.

Ahead of arriving in Italy, the “Conversation” producer was at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on Aug. 1 for another screening of “Megalopolis.”

Filmmakers Francis Ford Coppola and Gia Coppola attend the Francis Ford Coppola Winery's

The legendary director was in Italy for a screening of his 2024 film, “Megalopolis.” Getty Images

Francis Ford Coppola attends the Saint Laurent Menswear Spring/Summer 2026 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on June 24, 2025 in Paris, France.

He was also reportedly abroad looking for places to film an upcoming movie. Getty Images

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The movie, starring Aubrey Plaza and Adam Driver, received extensive backlash, with Deadline previously referring to it as “something of a mess.”

However, the film, which Coppola spent $120 million of his personal funds on, earned him a 10-minute standing ovation at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

“I don’t care, I never cared about money,” he said at the time. “In the end there are so many people when they die that say, ‘I wish I had done this, I wish I had done that.’”

“But when I die I’m gonna say ‘I got to do this. I got to see my daughter [Sofia] win an Oscar, and I got to make wine, and I got to make all the movies I wanted to make. And I’m going to be so busy thinking about what I got to do that when I die I won’t notice it,” Coppola added.

Coppola was in San Francisco earlier this month.

Coppola was in San Francisco earlier this month. WireImage

Francis Ford Coppola and wife Eleanor attends the 'Marie Antoinette' premiere at the Palais des Festivals during the 59th International Cannes Film Festival May 24, 2006 in Cannes, France.

He was previously wed to Eleanor Jessie Coppola, who died in 2024. Getty Images

While filming the movie, Coppola was accused of unprofessional behavior on set, including kissing topless extras, which he denied.

However, he admitted to kissing one on the cheek.

Coppola was married to Eleanor Jessie Coppola from 1963 until she died in 2024. They shared three kids: Roman Coppola, 60, Sofia Coppola, 54, and Gian-Carlo Coppola, who died in 1986 at the age of 22.

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