Bugonia follows two young men who become obsessed with an alien invasion theory. Convinced that a corporate CEO named Michelle is an extraterrestrial intent on destroying Earth, they decide to kidnap her. Originally released in 2003, director Jang Joon Hwan’s Save the Earth! stunned audiences with its daring imagination and prescient social message. Now, in 2025, Yorgos Lanthimos has reimagined the cult classic as Bugonia.
In 2018, CJ ENM—the original film’s investor and distributor—recognized the story’s global potential and initiated an English-language remake, marking a pivotal step for Korean cinema’s international expansion. Ari Aster, known for Hereditary and Midsommar, joined the project alongside his producing partner Lars Knudsen, both longtime admirers of Save the Earth!. Aster introduced the film to Will Tracy, acclaimed writer of HBO’s Succession and The Menu, who completed a contemporary adaptation of the screenplay in just three weeks. Major U.S. distributor Focus Features later joined, confirming Yorgos Lanthimos as director in 2024. His trusted collaborators Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons soon signed on for the lead roles, cementing the project’s prestige.
Bugonia has since earned widespread acclaim following its premieres at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, the Telluride Film Festival for its North American debut, and the 30th Busan International Film Festival for its Asian premiere. Developed and co-produced by CJ ENM, Bugonia continues to push the boundaries of Korean storytelling on a global scale, following the international success of Fast Lives. CJ ENM oversaw the remake’s screenplay development, director and cast selection, and full production packaging. The company will also handle domestic distribution ahead of the film’s theatrical release on November 5.
