Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Yorgos Lanthimos Discusses 'Bugonia' and Its Enduring Relevance
Imagine a movie director who makes films that make you think a lot after you leave the theater.
His new movie is called 'Bugonia,' and it's about a guy who thinks that big problems in the world, like ecological disasters and his mom being in a coma, are caused by a scientist played by Emma Stone.
So, he and his cousin decide to kidnap her because they believe she's an alien trying to harm Earth.
The director, Yorgos Lanthimos, says the movie is based on an older Korean film, and he feels its message about people and the world is even more important now.
He likes to let people decide for themselves what the movie means.
His movies often aren't huge blockbusters but can do well, especially if they get awards.
Yorgos Lanthimos' film 'Bugonia' is noted for prompting deep thought and debate.
The movie stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, reuniting them with the director.
'Bugonia' centers on a man who blames a bioengineering CEO (Stone) for global issues and his mother's coma, leading to a kidnapping.
The film is an adaptation of the 2003 Korean movie 'Save the Green Planet' and was brought to Lanthimos by Ari Aster.
Lanthimos believes the film's premise remains highly relevant due to current global conditions and societal challenges.
- Who
- Director Yorgos Lanthimos, actors Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, and audience members.
- What
- Discussion about Yorgos Lanthimos' film 'Bugonia,' its themes, source material, and relevance.
- When
- Currently, as the film is in theaters.
- Where
- In theaters and discussed on Deadline's Crew Call podcast.
- Why
- To explore the film's commentary on humanity, human nature, and contemporary issues, and to highlight its critical and commercial reception.
- Director
- Yorgos Lanthimos
- Starring
- Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons
- Based On
- Save the Green Planet (2003)
- Worldwide Gross
- $23.5 million+
- Previous Lanthimos Films
- The Favourite ($96M), Poor Things ($117.6M)