At the Venice Film Festival press conference for her new movie Bugonia, Emma Stone lightheartedly revealed that she believes in aliens. The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, features Stone as a powerful CEO who encounters conspiracy theorists convinced she is an alien sent to harm Earth, which sparked questions about her own views on extraterrestrial intelligence.
Exploring the Film’s Unusual Story and Stone’s Perspective
Bugonia is a dark comedy where Stone’s character is abducted by two believers in alien conspiracies. When asked if she thought there was some form of higher intelligence watching over humanity, Stone responded by referencing the late astronomer Carl Sagan:
“I don’t know about looking down on us, but one of my favorite people who has ever lived is Carl Sagan and I fell madly in love with his philosophy and science and how brilliant he is. He very deeply believed the idea that we’re alone in this vast expansive universe — not that we’re being watched — is a pretty narcissistic thing. So yes I’m coming out and saying it, I believe in aliens!” —Emma Stone, Actress
This statement highlighted Stone’s admiration for scientific thinking while expressing openness to the possibility of alien life, a point that aligns with the film’s theme of questioning reality and existence.
The Film’s Premiere and Creative Team Behind Bugonia
Bugonia premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival and marks the third collaboration between Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos in three years. The cast features Jesse Plemons as a conspiracist beekeeper, Aidan Delbis as his associate, along with Stavros Halkias and Alicia Silverstone. The screenplay was written by Will Tracy, co-writer of The Menu, and is an English remake of the 2003 South Korean film Save the Green Planet! directed by Jang Joon-hwan.
Lanthimos previously won acclaim at Venice with Poor Things in 2023, which earned four Academy Awards including a Best Actress win for Stone. Their prior collaboration, Kinds of Kindness, debuted at Cannes and won Plemons the Best Actor award, underscoring the strong creative synergy within the team.
Upcoming Release and Anticipated Reception
Bugonia is scheduled for theatrical release by Focus Features on October 24. With its blend of dark humor, sci-fi elements, and thought-provoking narratives, the film is expected to generate discussion around its themes of belief and identity, especially given Stone’s offhand alien endorsement during the festival.
