A special event linked to Emma Stone Bugonia screening is requiring all attendees to shave their heads before entry. Set for October 20 at Los Angeles‘ Culver Theater, the unusual rule reflects the film’s plot, where Stone portrays high-powered CEO Michelle Fuller, whose head is shaved after she is abducted by two men convinced she is an alien.
Plot and Background of Bugonia
In Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Michelle Fuller is kidnapped by Jesse Plemons’ and Aidan Delbis’ characters. They believe Fuller is an extraterrestrial being, prompting a head-shaving ritual. This darkly comedic and absurd premise has contributed to the film’s distinctive marketing approach, emphasizing the unsettling tone of the story.
Following its debut at the 2025 Venice International Film Festival, Bugonia earned critical acclaim, holding a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The film is set to have a limited theatrical run beginning October 24, before a wide release on October 31.
Details of the Shaved-Head Screening at Culver Theater
The screening at Culver Theater demands that attendees either arrive bald or undergo head shaving on-site. A barber will be available starting at 6:00 p.m. to prepare attendees before the screening begins at 8:00 p.m. Since seating is limited, entry operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Only individuals aged 18 and older may participate, and parts of the event will be recorded on film.
Marketing Campaign Builds a Mysterious Lore Around the Film
The shaved-head screening is only one component of Bugonia’s inventive promotional strategy. Other efforts include a conspiracy-themed website about Stone’s character as an alien called an Andromedan. Additionally, New York and Los Angeles were sites of vandalized billboards featuring Fuller’s image with graffiti slogans such as “Andromedan Filth” and “Join the Human Resistance.” This campaign blends psychological intrigue with the film’s dark humor.
Emma Stone’s Role and Career Impact
Emma Stone’s transformation for this role is notable, as she personally shaved her head for the part of Michelle Fuller. This screening allows audiences to engage more deeply by undergoing the same physical change. Bugonia marks Stone’s fourth project with director Yorgos Lanthimos, following The Favourite (2018), Poor Things (2023), and Kinds of Kindness (2024).
Stone’s performance in Poor Things earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress, and she is currently one of the front-runners for Best Leading Actress at the 2026 Oscars, with the potential to win for the third time after triumphs for La La Land and Poor Things. The special screening gives viewers an immersive look at her dedication to this challenging role.
