Jennifer Lawrence recently shared that she had serious reservations when her longtime friend Emma Stone decided to shave her head for her role in Bugonia.
The two actresses, who have been friends for years, are known for their deep bond, and Lawrence’s reaction to Stone’s bold decision highlights just how protective she feels about her friend.
Stone, 36, shaved her head for her role in the upcoming Yorgos Lanthimos film, Bugonia. In a recent Vogue cover story, Lawrence, 34, opened up about her feelings, admitting she was apprehensive about Stone’s dramatic transformation.
“I really didn’t want her to shave her head,” Lawrence confessed, explaining that she had already gone through a similar experience with Stone’s previous role as tennis legend Billie Jean King.
This was in reference to Stone’s portrayal of the iconic athlete in the 2017 film Battle of the Sexes, where she sported a short, cropped hairstyle that resembled King’s famous look.
Lawrence’s hesitance was likely due to her personal connection with Stone and the sense of worry one might feel when a close friend undergoes a drastic change.
Still, Lawrence acknowledged that, despite her initial reluctance, she couldn’t deny how great Stone looked with a shaved head. “Honestly, she looked beautiful,” Lawrence added, noting that her friend “pulled it off” in a way only Emma could.
Emma Stone’s Empowering Experience with Shaving Her Head
For Stone, the experience of shaving her head was far from just a physical transformation; it was also an emotional and empowering journey. In her interview with Vogue, Stone spoke about how much she loved the experience, describing it as liberating.
“No better feeling in the world. The first shower when you’ve shaved your head? Oh my God, it’s amazing,” she exclaimed.
Stone’s shaved head was not only for her role in Bugonia, but it also had a deeply personal significance. The actress revealed that shaving her head was something she did with a sense of excitement and self-assurance, and the process helped her feel a sense of freedom she hadn’t experienced before.
For Stone, it was more than just a physical change—it marked a moment of personal empowerment that she embraced fully.
Stone’s decision to shave her head also had a symbolic tie to her family. Her mother, Krista Stone, had shaved her own head when undergoing breast cancer treatment. This personal connection gave Stone a different perspective on the experience.
“She actually did something brave,” Stone said, reflecting on her mother’s own strength during her treatment. She even added that her mother was so inspired by the act of shaving her head that she jokingly expressed envy, saying, “I want to shave my head again.”
Bugonia: The Role That Inspired the Bold Transformation
Stone’s role in Bugonia is one that pushed her boundaries and allowed her to take on an entirely new look. In the film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, she plays a fictional pharmaceutical CEO named Emily, who is kidnapped by two conspiracy theorists, played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis. This intense plot, combined with her drastic physical transformation, makes Stone’s performance one to watch.
In the film, Stone’s head is shaved in real time during a scene, adding to the rawness and vulnerability of her character. It’s clear that this decision wasn’t just about a physical change for the sake of the role—it was also about embracing the power of the moment and fully committing to the character.
According to Plemons, the actor who plays one of the conspirators, the scene was a pivotal moment in the film. “We better make this good!” he recalled, emphasizing the significance of the moment.
Interestingly, Stone took things a step further in the process of getting into character. Before shooting the head-shaving scene, she took it upon herself to shave Lanthimos’ hair as a symbolic gesture.
This act of mutual sharing and trust only further deepened her commitment to the role and her collaboration with the director. It also served as a demonstration of how Stone is willing to go to great lengths for her craft, even in ways that others might not expect.
A Monumental Year for Emma Stone
2017 marked an incredible year for Emma Stone when she starred in Battle of the Sexes and later won her first Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in La La Land. However, 2023 has been another milestone year for Stone, as she once again took home the prestigious Oscar for Best Actress, this time for her role in Poor Things.
The film, which was also directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a unique, Frankenstein-inspired story in which Stone plays a character named Bella Baxter.
In a heartwarming moment, Lawrence had the honor of presenting the Oscar to Stone during the 2023 ceremony. In true best-friend fashion, after the award was presented, the two shared an emotional moment backstage.
Lawrence, overwhelmed with joy for her friend’s achievement, whispered, “Two-time best-actress winner,” to which Stone responded with humor and humility, “I feel like that’s bad, though.”
Their friendship continues to be a testament to their deep bond, with Lawrence always by Stone’s side to celebrate her wins and offer support when needed. It’s clear that their friendship is one built on mutual admiration, respect, and an unwavering sense of loyalty.
Looking Ahead to Bugonia
With Bugonia set to hit theaters on October 31, 2025, fans are eagerly anticipating Stone’s portrayal of Emily. Given her track record of taking on complex and transformative roles, Bugonia promises to be yet another testament to her acting prowess.
From the emotional weight of the head-shaving scene to the thrilling plot that sees her character being kidnapped by conspiracy theorists, Bugonia is shaping up to be a compelling film.
As Stone continues to break new ground in her career, it’s clear that her relationship with Lawrence remains an important cornerstone of her personal life.
While Lawrence might have been hesitant about the shaved head at first, it’s evident that Stone’s commitment to her craft—and her ability to embrace both personal and professional transformations—has only deepened the admiration and love Lawrence has for her friend.
The bond between these two talented actresses continues to inspire, reminding us all of the power of friendship and the courage to embrace change.
