UPDATE: Emma Stone’s highly anticipated film Bugonia has officially broken its first box office record ahead of its wide release this Halloween weekend. The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is projected to earn $4.4 million at the domestic box office, marking a new milestone for the acclaimed director.
This impressive figure sets the record for the biggest wide opening weekend for Lanthimos, surpassing his previous success with Poor Things, which opened at $2.9 million. Currently, Bugonia has amassed a domestic total of $5.5 million, but it has a long way to go to reach profitability, given its hefty budget of $45 million.
Bugonia, a remake of the South Korean film Save the Green Planet!, features Stone as a protagonist who is abducted by a conspiracy theorist convinced she is an alien. The film has already garnered critical acclaim, holding an impressive 86% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and the excitement surrounding its release is palpable.
The film premiered at the Venice Film Festival in August, positioning Stone as a strong contender for Best Actress at the upcoming Oscars. This recognition has been amplified by her bold decision to shave her head for the role, a move she described as “so afraid” but ultimately transformative. If Stone secures her third Oscar, she would make history as the first actor to achieve this feat since Katharine Hepburn.
The collaboration between Lanthimos and Stone has previously yielded Academy Award nominations and wins, with Lanthimos being nominated twice for Best Director. Bugonia also features actor Jesse Plemons in a notable role, further enhancing the film’s star power.
As the holiday season approaches, Bugonia could gain additional momentum at the box office, despite a challenging year for many films. Fans and critics alike are eager to see how this black comedy will perform in the coming weeks.
Stay tuned for more updates as Bugonia continues its theatrical run, and watch for Emma Stone’s potential Oscar journey as awards season draws near.
