Emma Stone is set to reunite with acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos for their latest cinematic venture, “Bugonia.” This marks their fifth collaboration, following the success of “The Favourite,” “Poor Things,” “Kinds of Kindness,” and the short film “Bleat.” The film, written by Will Tracy, known for his work on “The Menu” and “Succession,” will be distributed by Focus Features.
The plot of “Bugonia” revolves around two conspiracy-obsessed young men who kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth. This intriguing storyline is based on the 2003 South Korean sci-fi comedy “Save the Green Planet.” The English-language adaptation was developed by CJ ENM, with Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen of Square Peg also involved in the production. The film is being financed by Fremantle and CJ ENM.
Reuniting a Stellar Team
Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, who recently starred in Lanthimos’ “Kinds of Kindness,” are set to lead the cast of “Bugonia.” This project marks Plemons’ second collaboration with Lanthimos, following the positive reception of “Kinds of Kindness” at the Cannes Film Festival.
Peter Kujawski, Chairman of Focus Features, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “Yorgos Lanthimos is a cinematic visionary with a singular style that has captivated audiences worldwide. We could not be more excited to partner with him, Emma, and the incredible teams at Element, Square Peg, and CJ ENM to reimagine this twisted and darkly funny story.”
Production and Distribution
The production team for “Bugonia” includes Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures, Yorgos Lanthimos, Ari Aster, and Lars Knudsen of Square Peg, Emma Stone via her Fruit Tree banner, and Miky Lee and Jerry Kyoungboum Ko of CJ ENM. Focus Features has secured worldwide rights to the film, with Universal Pictures handling international distribution, excluding South Korea.
Christian Vesper, CEO of Global Drama at Fremantle, shared his enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled that Fremantle is coming on board for Yorgos’s latest project and are proud to support the wonderful team at Element. Yorgos’s films are consistently innovative and captivating, and we are delighted to join him and all the wonderful partners on Bugonia.”
A Visionary Director
Yorgos Lanthimos has established himself as a unique voice in contemporary cinema, known for his distinctive style and thought-provoking narratives. His previous works, including “Dogtooth,” “The Lobster,” “The Killing of a Sacred Deer,” and “The Favourite,” have garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. “Poor Things,” which earned 11 Academy Award nominations and four wins, including Best Actress for Emma Stone, further solidified his reputation.
Lanthimos’s ability to blend dark humor with profound themes has made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. “Bugonia” promises to continue this tradition, offering a fresh take on the original South Korean film while infusing it with Lanthimos’s signature style.
Anticipation and Expectations
The announcement of “Bugonia” has generated significant buzz in the film industry, with fans eagerly awaiting the reunion of Lanthimos and Stone. The film’s unique premise, combined with the talent involved, suggests that it will be a standout addition to the director’s impressive filmography.
Jerry Kyoungboum Ko of CJ ENM expressed his excitement, stating, “I am thrilled to introduce the intriguing story rooted in Korean Cinema’s hidden gem, in collaboration with the ideal team of talent and producers, alongside the reliable studio. I expect that Yorgos will ignite a dynamic chemical fusion with his unique style and the novelty of the narrative.”
FAQs
1. What is the plot of “Bugonia”?
“Bugonia” follows two conspiracy-obsessed young men who kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth. The film is based on the 2003 South Korean sci-fi comedy “Save the Green Planet.”
2. Who are the main cast members of “Bugonia”?
The film stars Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, both of whom have previously worked with director Yorgos Lanthimos.
3. Who is directing “Bugonia”?
“Bugonia” is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his distinctive cinematic style and critically acclaimed films such as “The Favourite” and “Poor Things.”
4. When will “Bugonia” be released?
The release date for “Bugonia” has not been announced yet. Focus Features will distribute the film in the U.S., with Universal Pictures handling international distribution, excluding South Korea.
5. What is the source material for “Bugonia”?
“Bugonia” is an English-language adaptation of the 2003 South Korean sci-fi comedy “Save the Green Planet.” The adaptation was developed by CJ ENM, with contributions from Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen of Square Peg.
6. Who are the producers of “Bugonia”?
The producers of “Bugonia” include Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe of Element Pictures, Yorgos Lanthimos, Ari Aster, and Lars Knudsen of Square Peg, Emma Stone via her Fruit Tree banner, and Miky Lee and Jerry Kyoungboum Ko of CJ ENM.
