Screenwriter Will Tracy found himself in a small Brooklyn apartment during the pandemic, grappling with uncertainty about the film industry’s future amidst the COVID-19 crisis. Known for HBO’s “Succession,” Tracy was tasked with adapting the cult South Korean environmental black comedy “Save The Green Planet!” by Jang Joon-hwan into an English version, thanks to his friend, director Ari Aster, and producer Lars Knudsen.
Tracy was initially unfamiliar with the source material but quickly discovered a contemporary resonance in its themes. “The original filmmakers could never have foreseen something very American about a disassociation from reality,” he noted. Released in 2003, the original film follows a young man and his girlfriend who kidnap a CEO, believing him to be an alien. In his adaptation titled “Bugonia,” Tracy shifts the narrative focus and character dynamics while preserving the core premise.
Determined not to mimic the original, Tracy set guidelines for himself during the writing process. He refrained from revisiting the original film to prevent influence, instead allowing the isolation he experienced during lockdown to inform his script. He transformed the male CEO into a female character, drawing inspiration from real figures like General Motors CEO Mary Barra, and opted for a storyline centered around conspiracy theorists who kidnap her.
Lanthimos, hailed for his unique directorial style with films like “The Lobster” and “The Favourite,” was the perfect match to bring “Bugonia” to life. His immediate excitement upon reading the script led him to collaborate further with Tracy to nail down the film’s vision. The production faced challenges due to the underlying rights being held by South Korea’s CJ Entertainment, yet they ultimately decided to fund the project privately, allowing for greater creative control.
The film secured its distribution through Focus Features in the U.S. and Universal internationally. The cast features Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, with the production emphasizing the desire for authenticity by incorporating non-professional actor Aidan Delbis, who has autism. Filming began in July 2024, predominantly in the UK, with a creative decision to build the central set from scratch to allow for flexible shooting.
Cinematographer Robbie Ryan’s innovative use of a unique film camera aimed to enhance the film’s intimate and claustrophobic atmosphere, ensuring that performances stood at the forefront. Following post-production, Lanthimos filmed additional content in Greece, facing bureaucratic hurdles along the way.
“Bugonia” premiered at the Venice Film Festival ahead of its U.S. and UK theatrical releases, drawing attention and achieving a notable global box-office revenue. The rigorous journey for Lanthimos and his team illustrates not only their commitment to the film but also the creative resilience that emerged during a challenging time. As the awards season unfolds, their work continues, symbolizing a hopeful outlook for artistic endeavors in the post-pandemic landscape.