In a strategic move ahead of the awards season rush, Bugonia, the latest genre-defying feature from Oscar-nominated director Yorgos Lanthimos, is shifting its release date. Originally scheduled for a November 7 debut, the sci-fi satire will now open in select U.S. theaters on October 24, followed by a nationwide expansion on October 31, Focus Features has confirmed.
This change not only positions the film to build word-of-mouth in the final stretch of October but also signals the distributor’s confidence in the film’s appeal. Focus Features is releasing Bugonia across the U.S. and Canada, while Universal Pictures will handle international distribution — except for South Korea, where CJ ENM retains the rights.
Bugonia reunites Lanthimos with his long-time collaborator Emma Stone, following their acclaimed work together on The Favourite, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness. This time, they dive headfirst into sci-fi absurdism, crafting a surreal yet pointed tale about paranoia, power, and the fine line between madness and truth.
Aliens, CEOs, and Conspiracies: What Bugonia is All About
Adapted from the South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!, Bugonia follows two conspiracy-obsessed friends who become convinced that a powerful corporate CEO is, in fact, an alien planning the destruction of Earth. Their solution? Kidnap her — and save humanity.
Emma Stone plays the suspected extraterrestrial CEO with what’s expected to be a pitch-perfect blend of menace and mystery, while Jesse Plemons leads the desperate abductors. Known for his recent turn in Kinds of Kindness, Plemons is fast becoming a fixture in Lanthimos’ eccentric cinematic world.
The film blends science fiction with dark comedy and psychological thriller elements, staying true to the director’s reputation for crossing genres and defying conventions.
Creative Team: Yogos Lanthimos, Emma Stone, and a Powerhouse Lineup of Producers
At the helm is Yorgos Lanthimos, directing from a script by Will Tracy, whose biting work on The Menu and Succession has been praised for its caustic wit and sharp commentary. That tone is likely to permeate Bugonia, which promises to balance philosophical absurdity with satire rooted in modern corporate anxieties.
The production brings together a dream team of producers:
Emma Stone through her company Fruit Tree
Yorgos Lanthimos via Pith
Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures (Lanthimos’ long-time collaborators)
Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen of Square Peg (Hereditary, Beau Is Afraid)
Miky Lee and Jerry Kyoungboum Ko of CJ ENM, which produced the original film
The film marks a significant distribution shift for Lanthimos. After The Favourite, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness were released by Searchlight Pictures, Bugonia is being distributed by Focus Features, who reportedly won a competitive bidding war to secure rights.
The Cast: An Offbeat Ensemble with Star Power
In addition to Stone and Plemons, Bugonia features:
Aidan Delbis
Stavros Halkias
Alicia Silverstone
While specific character details are still under wraps, the casting hints at a tonal cocktail of dry humor and surreal unpredictability. Notably, Emma Stone made headlines earlier this year when she debuted a striking red pixie cut at the Golden Globes — a transformation reportedly for her role in Bugonia, underscoring her continued dedication to fully immersing herself in Lanthimos’ strange worlds.
Location Limitations: No Shooting at the Acropolis
In a headline-making development during pre-production, Lanthimos was denied permission to shoot at the Acropolis by the Greek Ministry of Culture. Authorities claimed that the film’s proposed scenes were “incompatible with the symbolism and values the Acropolis represents.”
Although born in Athens and often inspired by his Greek roots, Lanthimos was forced to pivot and shoot elsewhere — a reminder that his brand of storytelling, while internationally admired, still raises eyebrows in traditional spaces.
From The Lobster to Bugonia: A Director-Star Duo That Keeps Evolving
The creative relationship between Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos is among the most talked-about collaborations in contemporary cinema. Their past projects include:
The Favourite (2018) — A historical black comedy that earned 10 Oscar nominations.
Poor Things (2023) — A surreal feminist reimagining of Frankenstein’s mythos that dominated the awards circuit.
Kinds of Kindness (2024) — A daring triptych film exploring morality and manipulation in modern life.
With Bugonia, the duo once again leap into unfamiliar territory, adapting a bizarre cult classic through their uniquely irreverent lens. Given the trajectory of their past work, expectations are high for yet another bold, awards-worthy entry.
A Focus Features Fall: A Rich Slate of Auteur Projects
Bugonia leads a promising and ambitious fall slate for Focus Features, which includes:
Hamnet by Chloé Zhao, starring Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley in a poetic take on Shakespeare’s lost son.
The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson, likely another pastel-laced eccentric adventure.
Song Sung Blue, a musical drama led by Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson.
Anemone, the directorial debut of Ronan Day-Lewis, starring his father, Daniel Day-Lewis, in a rare return to the screen.
Honey Don’t! from Ethan Coen, with a cast including Margaret Qualley, Aubrey Plaza, and Chris Evans.
With such a daring roster, the studio appears committed to giving visionary filmmakers the space to explore unorthodox, genre-blurring narratives — and Bugonia fits that mission to a T.
As Bugonia gears up for its newly announced October 24 launch, it already feels like one of fall 2025’s most anticipated titles. With a captivating premise, a trusted director-star duo, and an ensemble that promises both gravitas and unpredictability, the film is set to deliver Lanthimos’ signature mix of provocation and artistry.
Whether you’re a fan of high-concept sci-fi, absurdist satire, or just eager to see what Emma Stone does next, Bugonia deserves a spot on your watchlist.
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