Emma Stone’s ‘Bugonia’: Key Differences from Its South Korean Inspiration

Emma Stone’s upcoming film, Bugonia, set to release on October 31, 2025, draws inspiration from the South Korean movie Save the Green Planet!. While both films share a similar narrative framework, Bugonia makes significant alterations to character dynamics and thematic elements, creating a unique cinematic experience.

Both films revolve around the kidnapping of a pharmaceutical CEO by a troubled individual who believes she is an alien. The dark comedy inherent in both narratives presents a cynical view of humanity, although Bugonia introduces distinct character nuances that reshape the story’s impact.

Character Transformations and Gender Dynamics

One of the most notable changes is the gender of the pharmaceutical executive. In Save the Green Planet!, the character is portrayed as Kang Man-shik, an older male figure. In contrast, Bugonia features Michelle Fuller, played by Emma Stone, as the CEO of Auxolith. This gender switch not only adds layers of subtext but also shifts the narrative focus. Michelle’s character often highlights the implications of two men conspiring against a powerful woman, which is a theme less explored in the original.

While both Kang and Michelle share a pivotal role in their respective stories, their motivations differ significantly. Kang displays a vindictive desire to destroy Earth, whereas Michelle is portrayed as more empathetic towards humanity, reflecting a more complex alien portrayal.

Darker Backstories and Character Arcs

Both films delve into the backstories of their troubled protagonists, Teddy in Bugonia and Byeong-gu in Save the Green Planet!. Each character harbors tragic motivations stemming from their mothers’ comas due to medical trials linked to the pharmaceutical companies. However, the details diverge. Teddy’s history includes an absent father, while Byeong-gu’s father is shown to be abusive.

Additionally, Teddy’s backstory hints at childhood trauma, including possible molestation, while Byeong-gu’s history presents a more violent narrative. Despite both characters’ unstable natures, Save the Green Planet! provides a deeper exploration of Byeong-gu’s past, while Bugonia allocates less screen time to Teddy’s background.

The character dynamics are further altered through the introduction of Don, Teddy’s neurodivergent cousin, who replaces Su-ni, Byeong-gu’s girlfriend. Don’s role provides a fresh perspective; he ultimately succumbs to despair in a tragic moment, contrasting with Su-ni’s fate, who dies in the film’s climactic confrontation.

Police Presence and Character Fates

Law enforcement plays a more significant role in Save the Green Planet!, where multiple police officers are involved in the investigation. In Bugonia, only Casey, the local sheriff, makes an appearance. His character serves to connect with Teddy and ultimately meets a grim fate at Teddy’s hands, marking a stark difference in how law enforcement is portrayed across the two films.

The treatment of captives also varies greatly. While both films depict cruel experiments on their kidnapped targets, Teddy’s methods are less sadistic than Byeong-gu’s brutal tactics. This distinction creates a more sympathetic portrayal of Teddy, despite his dangerous tendencies.

Conclusions and Thematic Differences

The endings of both films showcase a similarly bleak outlook on humanity. In Save the Green Planet!, Kang orders the destruction of Earth itself, annihilating all life. Conversely, Michelle’s actions in Bugonia lead to humanity’s demise while sparing the planet, allowing other species to survive and thrive.

This shift in tone results in a bittersweet conclusion for Bugonia, offering a more nuanced critique of humanity than its predecessor. While Save the Green Planet! delivers a harsher judgment on human nature, Bugonia manages to blend satire with a glimmer of hope for the future.

Overall, Bugonia stands as a pointed satire with emotional depth, setting itself apart from Save the Green Planet! through its character-driven narrative and thematic shifts. As audiences anticipate its release, the film promises to offer both dark humor and thought-provoking commentary on the complexities of human existence.