UPDATE: Emma Stone’s latest film, Bugonia, has just broken its first box office record, marking a significant milestone for director Yorgos Lanthimos. The highly anticipated remake, which hits theaters on October 31, 2025, is projected to earn $4.4 million during its opening weekend, establishing the largest wide opening for Lanthimos to date.
The film, a dark comedy inspired by the South Korean movie Save the Green Planet!, follows Stone’s character, who is abducted by a conspiracy theorist convinced she is an alien. With Bugonia set for a wide release during the Halloween weekend, early estimates suggest it could gross over $5.5 million domestically, significantly boosting its profile.
This record-breaking performance comes as Lanthimos’ previous film, Poor Things, had opened with $2.9 million. The success of Bugonia is crucial as it faces the challenge of recouping its substantial production budget of $45 million, making it Lanthimos’ most expensive project to date.
Despite a challenging year for many films at the box office, Bugonia is gaining traction as the holiday season approaches. Critics have responded positively, awarding the film an impressive 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes. This critical acclaim could further enhance its appeal, positioning it as a strong contender this awards season.
Emma Stone’s performance has already sparked discussions about her potential for a third Best Actress Oscar, a historic achievement that would place her alongside Katharine Hepburn, the only actor to win four Academy Awards. Stone’s commitment to the role, including shaving her head, has also garnered significant media attention, adding to the film’s buzz.
“I was so afraid to shave my head because I was basically playing dead,” Stone revealed in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “It was a transformative experience for me.”
The collaboration between Stone and Lanthimos continues to flourish, with their previous films earning multiple Academy Award nominations and wins. As they reunite for this project, fans are eager to see how Bugonia will perform in the competitive landscape of the film industry.
Looking ahead, industry experts are watching closely to see if Bugonia can maintain its momentum and turn a profit. While Lanthimos has confirmed he is taking a “little break” from filmmaking, the success of this film could influence his future projects. Both Lanthimos and Stone currently have no announced upcoming works, making Bugonia an essential focus for their careers.
As excitement builds for the film’s release, audiences are encouraged to catch Bugonia and join the conversation about its impact on the awards season and its potential to redefine the box office landscape.
