Director Jang Joon Hwan and actor Lee Je Hoon shared their enthusiastic reactions to 'Bugonia,' the Hollywood remake of Jang’s 2003 cult classic 'Save the Green Planet!,' during a special talk at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) on September 21st.
Jang, who directed the original film, was thrilled with the new version. "It feels like I'm watching a version of Save the Green Planet! that was reborn after its DNA was altered by aliens," he said. "A magnificent variant has appeared."
He also revealed his involvement in co-writing the remake's script, where the key decision was made to change the lead antagonist from a male CEO to a female one. He praised Emma Stone's take on the role, saying, "It was thrilling to see the effect I hoped for come to life through Emma Stone. Her powerful presence was amazing."
Lee Je Hoon, a vocal fan who considers the original one of his all-time favorite films, agreed. "The original film leaves you with shock after shock," he said, adding he was glad 'Bugonia' inherited that power. He praised Emma Stone’s intense and impressive acting, noting her "courage and strength" in the demanding role.
In a humorous moment, Lee, who runs his own management agency, confessed that Stone's character felt a bit too familiar. "She emphasizes a 'work-life balance' to her employees... that felt strangely familiar," he laughed. "I tell my own staff, 'Do what you want. Rest when you need to. But get your work done.' While watching, I felt a pang of guilt, thinking, 'How is Emma Stone acting as if she's possessed by me?'"
CJ ENM, the company behind both films, shared some background on the project. A representative explained that the script gained a strong reputation in Hollywood, attracting interest from many top actresses. Director Yorgos Lanthimos was ultimately chosen to preserve the original idea while implanting a completely different texture. They described 'Bugonia' as having a "darker, heavier tone" compared to the original's mix of genres. The film was invited to the competition section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival.
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