Jennifer Lawrence said in a recent cover story that she originally urged Emma Stone not to shave her head for Yorgos Lanthimos’ forthcoming film Bugonia. Stone — who portrays a pharmaceutical CEO kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists (played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis) who believe she’s an alien — had the dramatic haircut on camera for a scene filmed in the back of a Range Rover.
Lawrence referenced Stone’s earlier haircut while preparing for Battle of the Sexes, when Stone also cut her hair to play Billie Jean King, and admitted she wanted to spare her friend another drastic change. Stone, however, broke down in tears in her trailer before the shaving scene because it reminded her of her mother Krista’s battle with breast cancer. Stone framed the decision as an act of bravery by her mother and by herself: “She actually did something brave. I’m just shaving my head.”
Afterwards Stone said she loved the result, calling the first shower after shaving “amazing,” and Lawrence conceded she was wrong: “Honestly, she looked beautiful. She pulled it off.” Stone’s mother reportedly told her she was “so jealous” and wanted to shave her head again. Stone added that the more challenging the work gets, the more she enjoys it, noting that pushing into new places prevents stagnation.
Stone recently won her second best-actress Oscar for Poor Things, another Lanthimos film; Lawrence was onstage during the ceremony and later recalled the emotional moment backstage when she and Stone celebrated. Bugonia is set to premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival and is scheduled for theatrical release on October 24 from Focus Features.
Quick summary:
– Emma Stone shaved her head on camera for Bugonia; the decision stirred strong emotions because it evoked her mother’s breast cancer fight.
– Jennifer Lawrence initially discouraged the haircut but later praised Stone’s look.
– Bugonia, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Stone, Plemons and Aidan Delbis, will debut at Venice and opens in theaters Oct. 24.
Additional comments and suggestions for publication:
– Suggested headline: “Emma Stone Shaved Her Head On Camera for Bugonia — Jennifer Lawrence Says She Initially Objected”
– Suggested deck/lead-in: “Stone underwent an emotional on-set haircut for Yorgos Lanthimos’ new film, a bold choice that Lawrence ultimately applauded.”
– Pull quote options: “She actually did something brave. I’m just shaving my head.” or “Honestly, she looked beautiful. She pulled it off.”
– Suggested featured image idea: a close-up portrait of Stone with her shaved head (or a neutral production still) and a cutline noting the film and premiere at Venice.
– SEO keywords/tags: Emma Stone, Jennifer Lawrence, Bugonia, Yorgos Lanthimos, Venice Film Festival, Focus Features, shaved head, film premiere, Jesse Plemons.
– Social post suggestion (short): “Emma Stone shaved her head on camera for Yorgos Lanthimos’ Bugonia — a move that moved her to tears and won Jennifer Lawrence’s eventual admiration. Opens Oct. 24.”
Contextual note and brief analysis:
Shaving an actor’s hair on camera is often framed as both a practical choice for authenticity and a symbolic gesture of transformation. In this case, Stone’s haircut serves the story’s demands while also resonating personally, linking a character transformation to private emotional history. Lawrence’s initial reluctance followed by praise underscores how creative risks can challenge friendships and expectations but ultimately strengthen performances and public reception.
Positive angle:
This episode highlights professional courage and personal solidarity: Stone embraced a physically and emotionally demanding choice for her art, and Lawrence — after seeing the result — celebrated her friend’s commitment. The film’s Venice premiere and an October release offer audiences a chance to see how that risk pays off on screen.