UPDATE: Emma Stone’s new film Bugonia has just set a significant box office record, achieving an impressive $4.4 million during its opening weekend, the largest ever for director Yorgos Lanthimos. The film, which hits theaters on October 31, 2025, follows a gripping storyline where Stone’s character is abducted by a conspiracy theorist who believes she is an alien.
This record-breaking opening surpasses the previous high of $2.9 million set by Lanthimos’ earlier film, Poor Things, and brings Bugonia’s total domestic earnings to $5.5 million so far. However, with a production budget of $45 million, the film still has a long way to go before it can be deemed profitable.
Despite a challenging year for the box office, Bugonia’s Halloween release could provide a much-needed boost, especially with the holiday season approaching. The film has also garnered critical acclaim, currently holding an impressive 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Stone’s performance has been a focal point of discussions, especially after she made headlines for shaving her head for the role. Reflecting on this bold choice, she shared with Entertainment Weekly, “I was so afraid to shave my head because I am not awake there, I was like, play dead, basically, play dead.”
Her transformative role in Bugonia positions her as a strong contender for the Best Actress Oscar, where she could potentially make history by winning her third award, a feat unmatched since Katharine Hepburn. Lanthimos, known for collaborating with Stone on multiple occasions, has seen nominations for Best Director for films like Poor Things and The Favourite.
As the duo continues to captivate audiences, Bugonia also marks the second collaboration between Lanthimos and actor Jesse Plemons, following their work in Kinds of Kindness. Currently, Lanthimos has indicated he is taking a break from filmmaking, and there are no upcoming projects lined up for Stone either.
For movie enthusiasts and Oscar watchers, Bugonia stands out as a film worth following closely, not just for its box office success but also for its potential impact during the awards season. Keep an eye on this dynamic duo as they navigate the evolving landscape of cinema.
With critical acclaim, box office milestones, and potential history-making performances, the excitement around Bugonia is palpable, making it a must-see this Halloween weekend.
