Emma Stone returns with a sci-fi comedy named Bugonia! The actress, who has already won two Oscars, is back with another film by the same director — Yorgos Lanthimos. This time, she’s joined by her Kinds of Kindness co-star Jesse Plemons. This movie sounds like it could be a big hit at award shows.
Fans are loving the movie’s original idea and the talent behind it. This strong hype could lead to major awards recognition, including the Oscars. If that happens, Stone could pull ahead in her friendly competition with fellow actress Jennifer Lawrence.
Emma Stone’s New Film May Outshine Jennifer Lawrence
Hollywood actresses Emma Stone and Jennifer Lawrence have been like two sides of the same coin for years. The two have often gone head-to-head for the same acting jobs and awards.
With their careers often on similar paths, it seems like Stone might be taking the lead with her exciting new project this time. If she wins for her role in Bugonia, it would be her third Oscar. That would put her ahead of her friend JLaw, who has one Oscar for Silver Linings Playbook.
Stone has already won two Academy Awards — one for La La Land and another for her part in Poor Things. A win for Bugonia would solidify her place as one of the best actresses of her generation.
Another Emma Stone Oscar win incoming
— Hazel (@ysterymachine) June 25, 2024
Written by Will Tracy, Bugonia definitely has a story that could easily become an award-winning favorite.
Bugonia Will be Emma Stone’s Fifth Project with Yorgos Lanthimos
Bugonia is based on South Korean sci-fi comedy, Save the Green Planet! It follows the story of two conspiracy-obsessed young men, played by Jesse Plemons (likely) and another talented actor (casting not yet announced), who kidnap a high-powered CEO (Emma Stone). These two men are convinced she’s an alien plotting to destroy Earth.
The flick be directed by none other than Yorgos Lanthimos, who is known for his oddball movies like The Lobster. It would be something that people will really enjoy, though in a strange way, just like the Greek director’s other films.
It will be Lanthimos and Stone’s fifth project together. The duo has already found success with critically-praised movies like The Favourite, Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness and the short film Bleat. The film is produced by a team including the filmmaker himself, along with Stone and actors Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen.
Focus Features will release the movie in the US, while Universal Pictures will handle the international release (except for South Korea). In South Korea, CJ ENM will take care of getting the movie to audiences.
Bugonia is set to release on Nov. 7, 2025!
Frequently asked questions
What is Bugonia and who stars in it alongside Emma Stone?
Bugonia is a sci-fi comedy directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, based on the South Korean film Save the Green Planet! It stars Emma Stone as a high-powered CEO whom two conspiracy-obsessed men, including one played by Jesse Plemons, kidnap because they believe she’s an alien plotting to destroy Earth. The film was written by Will Tracy and premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August 2025, ahead of its wide theatrical release.
How many films have Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos made together?
Bugonia marks the fifth collaboration between Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos, following The Favourite, Poor Things, Kinds of Kindness, and the short film Bleat. Stone has won two Academy Awards, for La La Land and Poor Things, with the latter directed by Lanthimos. The partnership is considered one of the most acclaimed actor-director pairings in recent Hollywood history.
Who is distributing Bugonia, and how was it received?
Focus Features released Bugonia in the United States, while Universal Pictures handled international distribution, with the exception of South Korea, where CJ ENM managed the release. The film opened in theaters on October 24, 2025, and drew strong reviews from critics, earning multiple Academy Award nominations including Best Picture and a Best Actress nod for Stone, despite a modest box office run.
