Emma Stone ensured her 4-year-old daughter was prepared for her striking transformation in the upcoming film Bugonia. The actress spoke with Louise Jean, aged 4, about her character’s bald head to prevent any fright. Stone, 36, discussed this decision, according to USA Today on Wednesday, October 23.
In the science-fiction comedy, Stone portrays Michelle Fuller, an influential pharmaceutical CEO. Fuller is abducted by conspiracy theorists who believe she is an alien bent on destroying Earth. They shave her head, convinced it will block her ability to contact her mothership and thwart her plans.
Stone emphasized wanting her daughter to be “very prepared” for the "big transformation." She aimed to make the sight "not so terrifying" for Louise Jean. Stone and her husband, Dave McCary, welcomed Louise Jean in March 2021 and married in September 2020.
The actress recounted her conversation with Louise. “I’m gonna shave my head. I’m gonna take my hair off and it’s gonna grow back. Isn’t that so silly and fun? We can do whatever we want with our hair! It can change all the time!” Stone told her daughter. Louise Jean’s reaction was simply, “Ok,” followed by complete calmness.
Stone also needed to ready herself mentally for the drastic change. Director Yorgos Lanthimos stressed the critical importance of getting the head-shaving scene right on the first attempt. Four different cameras were set up to ensure no technical glitches occurred during filming.
Stone recalled moments of apprehension. They kept delaying, saying, “We’ll be ready in 10 minutes. No, actually 30 minutes. No, actually an hour.” She admitted to feeling “a little bit of doubt” as her nerves grew.
“I was sitting there, building anticipation," Stone explained. "So I had a little bit of a last-minute scare and then Yorgos came over, we talked and I was like, ‘I’m gonna be fine. It’s gonna be great.’ And I loved it.” She remained in a meditative state, focused on staying still during the shave.
Two months prior, in August, Stone praised motherhood in an interview with Vogue. She described Louise as “the greatest gift of my life.” She also revealed that being a mother influences her role choices and her passion for acting.
Stone, a two-time Academy Award winner, dedicated her second Oscar for Poor Things to her daughter. She believes motherhood "unlocks different things" and has led her to experience deeper emotions. “I feel everything I could feel, because everything has exploded,” she said.
Bugonia premieres in select theaters on Friday, October 24. The film will be released nationwide on Friday, October 31.