Los Angeles: Fans turned up in droves for an exclusive early screening of Emma Stone’s upcoming film Bugonia on Monday night. However, there was a twist: only bald people were allowed inside.
The event, organised by Focus Features, challenged moviegoers. They had to shave their heads to gain entry to the screening of the absurdist sci-fi comedy. This film marks another collaboration between Stone and acclaimed Greek filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos.
The pair, known for their previous Oscar-nominated works Poor Things and The Favourite, are reuniting once again in Bugonia. It is set for limited release on Friday and a nationwide premiere on October 31.
Focus Features put on a special screening of Emma Stone’s new film ‘Bugonia’ with one provision: only bald people could watch it. And if you were not bald, then you had to shave your head pic.twitter.com/7sxCRBEJcc
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 22, 2025In Bugonia, Stone stars as Michelle Fuller, a powerful pharmaceutical CEO who is kidnapped by two conspiracy theorist cousins. They are convinced that she’s an alien — a belief so strong that they shave her head.
To match the film’s eccentric premise, Focus Features recreated the moment in real life. A barber’s chair was set up in the theatre lobby. Here, eager fans could get their heads shaved before stepping into the auditorium. The bald requirement immerses viewers in the story.
- Sam Sherman (Los Angeles): “Perfect excuse—free haircut, free movie, two weeks early.”
- Matthew Lopez (29, Los Angeles): “Immersive! I feel connected to Emma’s character.”
- Richard Chong (36, Los Angeles): “For my friends and wife who hate my bowl cut—plus I love Lanthimos.”
Read: Emma Stone’s Bugonia Draws Parallels to Luigi Mangione’s CEO Murder Case
A barber in the foyer assisted attendees. The duo’s collaborations earned 11 Oscar nominations. Bugonia continues its quirky style. The creative marketing generates buzz for the film’s October 31 release. For tickets, visit Fandango or AMC Theatres.
