Among the highly anticipated films featured in this year’s lineup is director Francis Ford Coppola’s self-financed endeavor, “Megalopolis”. Attendees will also be treated to a glimpse of Sebastian Stan portraying a young Donald Trump in “The Apprentice”.

One of the festival’s highlights will be the latest installment of George Miller’s iconic Mad Max franchise, while rumors swirl regarding potential public accusations of sexual abuse against several actors and filmmakers. Additionally, there’s the looming threat of a strike by festival workers, and the anticipated appearance of an Iranian director who recently fled his home country after being sentenced to prison.

Here are some key highlights to watch out for as Cannes unfurls its red carpet:

• Mad Max is Back:

“Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga”, a prequel to the acclaimed “Mad Max: Fury Road”, marks the return of director, George Miller, with Anya Taylor-Joy taking on the role of a younger Imperator Furiosa.

• Francis Ford Coppola’s passion project

Veteran director Francis Ford Coppola’s monumental project “Megalopolis” stars Adam Driver as an architect tasked with rebuilding a city devastated by tragedy, supported by Laurence Fishburne and Dustin Hoffman.

• Trump biopic arrives

Director Ali Abbasi brings to the screen the story of a young Donald Trump’s foray into politics in “The Apprentice”, with Sebastian Stan portraying the titular character and Maria Bakalova as his first wife, Ivana.

• Palme d’Or contenders

The coveted Palme d’Or award sees fierce competition once again, with Greta Gerwig leading the jury, supported by esteemed figures such as French actor Eva Green and Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone. Films in contention include “All We Imagine as Light” by Payal Kapadia, Andrea Arnold’s “Bird”, and “Kinds of Kindness” featuring Emma Stone and Joe Alwyn.

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Previous Cannes festivals have experienced the tremors of the MeToo movement, and it appears poised to reclaim attention once more. Speculation suggests that forthcoming allegations may surface, highlighting instances of abuse within the European entertainment industry.

French media whispers hint at the existence of a clandestine roster cataloging purported misconduct by prominent actors and directors, potentially slated for exposure during the festival.

French director and actor Judith Godrèche will also premiere her short film, “Moi Aussi,” at the festival, shedding light on the experiences of sexual violence survivors.

Having emerged as a prominent figure in the French MeToo movement, Godrèche bravely recounted allegations of abuse by two directors during her teenage years in the 1980s.

Furthermore, the festival itself faces the looming threat of disruption as freelance workers contemplate a strike in response to proposed alterations to French labor laws.