Yorgos Lanthimos returns with another uniquely unsettling film, Bugonia, bringing together a compelling mix of established stars and fresh faces. The movie tells the story of two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap a powerful CEO, convinced she is an alien. Here is a complete guide to the actors and the characters they bring to life in this darkly comedic thriller.
The Main Trio
Emma Stone as Michelle Fuller
Emma Stone takes on the role of Michelle Fuller, the sharp and powerful CEO of the pharmaceutical company Auxolith. Her character is kidnapped by the two lead men, who believe she is an extraterrestrial from the Andromedan species sent to destroy Earth. For this role, Stone underwent a dramatic physical transformation, shaving her head completely after her character is abducted. This marks the fourth feature film collaboration between Emma Stone and director Yorgos Lanthimos, a creative partnership that has produced several critically acclaimed projects. In the film, Michelle Fuller is a ruthless executive whose company is connected to ecological disasters and a tragic drug trial that left a woman in a coma.
Jesse Plemons as Teddy Gatz
Jesse Plemons plays Teddy Gatz, a beekeeper and fervent conspiracy theorist who becomes convinced that Michelle Fuller is an alien threat. Driven by personal trauma—his mother, Sandy, was left comatose after participating in a drug trial run by Auxolith—Teddy orchestrates the kidnapping. Plemons brings a sense of naive menace to the role, making his character both threatening and strangely gullible. His character’s obsession with saving Earth from the supposed alien invasion fuels the film’s tense and unpredictable plot.
Aidan Delbis as Don
Playing Teddy’s cousin and accomplice, Aidan Delbis takes on the role of Don. Don assists in the kidnapping but grows increasingly conflicted as the situation spirals out of control. His loyalty to Teddy and his growing discomfort are central to the story’s emotional core. Bugonia marks one of the first major feature film roles for Aidan Delbis, an up-and-coming actor who has described himself as autistic. His performance adds a crucial layer of complexity to the dynamic between the two kidnappers.
Key Supporting Cast
Alicia Silverstone as Sandy Gatz
Alicia Silverstone appears as Sandy Gatz, Teddy’s mother. A former participant in an Auxolith drug trial, Sandy is left in a coma due to the company’s reckless actions. Her condition is the personal tragedy that motivates Teddy’s behavior throughout the film. This role reunites Silverstone with director Yorgos Lanthimos, having previously worked with him on The Killing of a Sacred Deer.
Stavros Halkias as Casey
Comedian and podcaster Stavros Halkias plays Casey, a local police officer investigating Michelle Fuller’s disappearance. Casey and Teddy share a personal history, which adds tension and complexity to the investigation. Halkias, best known for his stand-up comedy, brings his talents to one of his notable film roles.
More Supporting Players
The film features a strong ensemble in supporting roles, including Cedric Dumornay as Chris, J. Carmen Galindez Barrera as Ricky and a Security Guard, and Marc T. Lewis as Tony. The cast also includes Vanessa Eng as Corey, Momma Cherri (credited as Charita ‘Momma Cherri’ Jones) as Tina, and Rafael Lopez Bravo as Carlos. Teneisha Ellis and Roger Carvalho play a Detective and Young Detective, respectively, who are involved in the search for the missing CEO.
Behind the Camera
The film is directed by the distinctive Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his surreal and often darkly comedic style. The screenplay was written by Will Tracy, and the project is based on the 2003 South Korean cult classic Save the Green Planet!. The film boasts an impressive lineup of producers, including Ari Aster, Emma Stone, and Yorgos Lanthimos himself. The cinematic look of Bugonia was crafted by cinematographer Robbie Ryan, a frequent Lanthimos collaborator, who made the interesting choice to shoot much of the film on VistaVision, a format that provides a crisper image. This technique was used to create an iconic, larger-than-life feel to the close-up scenes in cramped spaces. The score was composed by Jerskin Fendrix, who also has a small cameo in the film as an Andromedan.
A Unique Story
Bugonia is an absurdist black comedy that delves into themes of conspiracy, grief, and ecological anxiety. The title itself comes from an ancient Greek word referring to a myth that bees can spontaneously generate from the carcasses of dead oxen. Bees are a recurring visual motif, connected to Teddy’s character as a beekeeper who believes they are dying due to corporate pollution. The film had its world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival and was released in U.S. theaters on October 24, 2025.
Also Read: Emma Stone Shaved Her Head On Camera For Her Role In The New Movie Bugonia
