Emma Stone Champions Queer Anthem for Her New Film 'Bugonia'

Emma Stone Champions Queer Anthem for Her New Film 'Bugonia'

Renowned actress Emma Stone, known for her roles in films such as "Poor Things" and "The Favourite," has been making headlines with her latest creative influence on Yorgos Lanthimos's new film, "Bugonia." Stone personally advocated for the inclusion of a Chappell Roan song in the movie, a decision that has sparked excitement among fans and the LGBTQ+ community.

The trailer for "Bugonia," a dark comedy directed by Lanthimos, features Roan’s 2024 hit "Good Luck, Babe!" prominently. Stone's character, Michelle Fuller, a leading executive in the film, is even seen passionately singing the song while commuting to work. This musical choice adds a unique layer to the film’s already intriguing narrative.

In an exclusive interview with MTV UK, Stone shared her enthusiasm for Roan's music. "We were considering a lot of different songs for that scene," Stone said. "But honestly, I became obsessed with Chappell Roan’s debut album, 'The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess.' I was such a huge fan that I thought, 'What if we could use ‘Good Luck, Babe!’?' I knew it would be amazing." Stone was thrilled when Roan’s team approved the request within 24 hours, just in time for the filming of the scene.

Stone humorously recalled, "We were so excited. It all happened so fast. I just hope Chappell doesn’t have second thoughts about it. Every time I see the trailer, I have a moment of panic, like, ‘Oh God…’"

In a conversation with Collider, Stone further explained the thematic connection between the song and the film. The song, which explores a queer, sapphic relationship, resonates with the underlying themes of "Bugonia." Stone noted, "I was really drawn to that song, and Yorgos was too. There’s something about the lyrics that really speaks to the film's themes." She added, "I'm a big fan of Chappell's work, so singing that song was a delight."

"Good Luck, Babe!" achieved significant success following its release in April 2024. Roan’s career skyrocketed as the track dominated charts worldwide, reaching number two in the UK and breaking into the top five in the US. It also garnered three Grammy nominations in 2025 for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Pop Solo Performance.

Emma Stone’s involvement has brought a fresh perspective to the film "Bugonia," which marks her fifth collaboration with Lanthimos. Their previous works include "The Favourite," "The Bleat," "Poor Things," and "Kinds of Kindness." "Bugonia" tells the bizarre story of a pharmaceutical CEO, played by Stone, who is abducted by two conspiracy theorists. The abductors, believing her to be an alien, force her to shave her head to prevent her from contacting her supposed mothership—a role that required Stone to actually cut her hair for authenticity.

The film has been well-received by critics, holding an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. "Bugonia" is currently showing in US cinemas and is set to debut in UK theatres on 31 October.

Fans of both Stone and Roan have praised the synergy between the song and the film's unique narrative style, which combines elements of surrealism and dark humor. Many have taken to social media to express their excitement about the pairing, highlighting how Roan's queer anthem enhances the film’s thematic depth.

"Bugonia" is not only a testament to Lanthimos's creative genius but also illustrates Stone's passion for storytelling through music. Her choice to include "Good Luck, Babe!" underscores the importance of supporting queer artists and narratives in mainstream media.

As the film continues to attract attention, audiences are encouraged to share their thoughts and engage in respectful discussions about its impact and significance. "Bugonia" is a bold step forward in the representation of LGBTQ+ themes in cinema, and with talents like Stone and Roan at the forefront, it is sure to leave a lasting impression.