UPDATE: Emma Stone’s latest film, Bugonia, has just shattered box office expectations, setting a new record for acclaimed director Yorgos Lanthimos. With a wide release during the Halloween weekend, Bugonia is projected to earn an impressive $4.4 million at the domestic box office, surpassing Lanthimos’ previous record of $2.9 million set by Poor Things.
This remarkable opening marks a significant achievement for Lanthimos, as Bugonia has already accumulated a domestic total of $5.5 million. However, despite this promising start, the film faces a challenging road ahead due to its hefty $45 million budget, making it Lanthimos’ most expensive film to date.
The black comedy, which follows Stone’s character as she gets abducted by a conspiracy theorist convinced she is an alien, has garnered critical acclaim, holding an 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August, Stone has emerged as a strong contender for Best Actress at the upcoming Oscars. Her commitment to the role, which included shaving her head, has drawn significant media attention.
Stone expressed her fears about the drastic change in a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, stating, “I was so afraid to shave my head because I was like, play dead, basically, play dead.” If successful in her Oscar bid, Stone could make history, becoming the first actor since Katharine Hepburn to win three Best Actress awards.
With the holiday season approaching, Bugonia could gain further momentum at the box office. While 2023 has been a tough year for many films, the collaboration between Stone and Lanthimos, both celebrated for their previous works, continues to generate excitement.
As Lanthimos takes a break from filmmaking, there are no upcoming projects announced for either him or Stone, raising the stakes for Bugonia as audiences eagerly await its performance.
In the coming weeks, all eyes will be on box office figures and awards season buzz as Bugonia strives to achieve profitability and solidify its place in cinematic history. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
