Emma Stone’s Role in ‘Bugonia’ Transformed for Younger Lead

UPDATE: Emma Stone’s highly anticipated role in the new film ‘Bugonia’ was initially crafted for a woman in her 50s, but a significant transformation occurred during development. Screenwriter Will Tracy revealed that the character of Michelle Fuller, a powerful CEO, was originally envisioned as an older woman before Stone’s casting shifted the narrative direction.

In ‘Bugonia’, which is now in select theaters, Stone portrays a young CEO kidnapped by conspiracy theorists played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis. The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a remake of the acclaimed South Korean dark comedy ‘Save the Green Planet!’ and focuses on themes of power, belief, and survival.

Tracy shared with Business Insider that the initial script depicted Fuller as older, stating, “When I first wrote the script, the character was supposed to be more in their 50s or older.” This changed when producer Ari Aster suggested a younger female lead, leading to a fresh take on the character.

Lanthimos, who recently won four Oscars for his film ‘Poor Things’, was captivated by the ‘Bugonia’ script, reading it in one sitting. He remarked, “I felt it was very funny and exciting and suspenseful and interesting and complex.” His enthusiasm, combined with Stone’s involvement, set the stage for a unique cinematic experience.

The dynamic between Stone’s character and Plemons’ conspiracy theorist is central to the film’s tension. Tracy emphasized the engaging contrast between the powerful CEO and the passionate skeptic, which drives the narrative. “She is someone who has a lot of power and masks her ruthlessness… and he has convinced himself of a certain reality that informs his worldview,” Tracy explained.

Reflecting on the character’s age, Tracy acknowledged the relevance of a younger CEO in today’s corporate landscape. “It was quite interesting having a younger woman CEO who was that powerful and not Boomer age,” he noted, pointing out that many current tech and biomedical leaders tend to be younger.

‘Bugonia’ is set to begin its wide release on October 31, 2023, promising a blend of dark humor and thrilling suspense. As audiences eagerly await the film’s broader launch, the evolution of Stone’s character serves as a reminder of the evolving narratives in modern cinema.

Stay tuned for more updates as ‘Bugonia’ continues to capture attention in theaters!