Emma Stone’s new film BUGONIA attracted attention in Los Angeles after reports suggested fans could only attend the special screening if they were completely bald.
The event was scheduled for October 20, 2025 at the Culver Theater, where a barber was reportedly available from 6 p.m. to shave heads before the movie started at 8 p.m.
The film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, starred Stone as a powerful pharmaceutical executive who becomes the center of an alien conspiracy.
The actress shaved her head for the role and called it “one of the greatest experiences of my life” during a question and answer session.
The bald line quickly became the talk of the town, as many saw it as an unusual but creative move designed to make audiences feel connected to the world of the film.
A post on the film’s social media page said: “If you’re not bald, we have a barber on site to shave your head so you can watch the film.”
While some praised the bold marketing stunt, calling it “interactive cinema at its best,” others were unimpressed.
However, some even questioned whether the rule was fair, pointing out that people could be excluded from keeping their hair for cultural, religious or personal reasons.
Despite the mixed opinions, the display created huge buzz online because whether it was a clever promotion or a controversial gimmick, people noticed one thing: BUGONIA found a way to get people talking even before release.
