The Production Journey of ‘Bugonia’ by CJ ENM and Behind-the-Scenes with Ari Aster Revealed!

The English remake of 〈Save the Earth!〉, the new film 〈Bugonia〉 directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, reveals the entire process leading to its creation, drawing attention. 〈Bugonia〉 is a film that depicts the story of two young men who believe in an alien invasion theory, thinking that the corporate CEO 'Michelle' is an alien trying to destroy the Earth, and they kidnap him.

Originally released in 2003, director Jang Joon-hwan's film 〈Save the Earth!〉 caused a sensation with its bold imagination and forward-thinking message, and it has been reborn in 2025 as 〈Bugonia〉 directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The journey of how 〈Bugonia〉 expanded beyond a remake into a new world is revealed, capturing the attention of prospective audiences.

In 2018, CJ ENM, the investment distributor of the original, recognized the fresh and new story possibilities of 〈Save the Earth!〉 and officially launched the English remake project, starting the production of 〈Bugonia〉 and pioneering a new journey for the Korean film industry. Joining this effort were director Ari Aster, who stated he was inspired by 〈Save the Earth!〉, and his production partner Lars Knudsen, who came on board as co-producers. Director Ari Aster recommended 〈Save the Earth!〉 to Will Tracy, the writer of the HBO series 〈Succession〉 and the film 〈The Menu〉, and Will Tracy adapted the original interestingly to fit modern contexts, completing a powerful and dense script in just three weeks. With the prominent American distributor Focus Features joining, Yorgos Lanthimos was confirmed as the director in 2024, and his persona, Emma Stone, and Jesse Plemons were cast as leads, completing the final puzzle of 〈Bugonia〉 and establishing it as a highly anticipated film for 2025.

Starting from the Korean film 〈Save the Earth!〉, which began communication with Andromeda in 2003, the newly reborn 〈Bugonia〉 has received enthusiastic reviews from critics and audiences at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival, where it premiered, the Telluride Film Festival, which introduced it to North American audiences, and the 30th Busan International Film Festival, which was its first public screening in Asia. As the release date of 〈Bugonia〉 approaches on November 5 (Wednesday) in Korea, prospective audiences are showing great interest.

〈Bugonia〉 is a project planned and produced by CJ ENM, the investment distributor of 〈Save the Earth!〉, which was one of the most brilliant Korean films of 2003, and it is also a film that pioneers a new journey for the Korean film industry, meeting global audiences following 〈Past Lives〉. CJ ENM has led the planning and development of the English remake scenario, director, actors, and production company packaging for 〈Bugonia〉 and is responsible for domestic distribution.

As Yorgos Lanthimos reinterprets the unique world of director Jang Joon-hwan, expectations rise for the film 〈Bugonia〉, which will be released in Korea on November 5 (Wednesday), promising to showcase a fascinating new world to Korean audiences more than any other country in the world.