Yorgos Lanthimos Denied Permit to Film ‘Bugonia’ at the Acropolis
Yorgos Lanthimos Denied Permit to Film ‘Bugonia’ at the Acropolis
Acclaimed Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos had envisioned filming the climactic, subversive scenes of his upcoming movie, Bugonia, at the Acropolis. However, his request to shoot at the historic site was rejected by Greece’s Central Archaeological Council (KAS) in a unanimous decision during its latest meeting.
The production company, Either Or Productions, had applied for a permit to film on April 10, requiring exclusive access to the archaeological site for four days. The proposed scene, depicting total destruction with scattered corpses, just before a symbolic rebirth of hope and existence, was a key factor in the council’s decision to deny the request. Additionally, the prospect of closing the Acropolis to the public for an extended period further solidified KAS’s stance.
In search of alternatives, a KAS member suggested filming on Philopappos Hill, a nearby site with a panoramic view of the Acropolis. However, the production team declined the proposal, indicating they would seek another location.
Lanthimos’ Bugonia to premiere without Acropolis scenes
Bugonia, set to premiere in November 2025, is a remake of the 2003 Korean cult film Save the Green Planet, originally directed by Jang Joon-hwan and produced by CJ Entertainment, the studio behind the Oscar-winning Parasite (2019).
Lanthimos’ version features Emma Stone—a frequent collaborator—as well as Jesse Plemons, both of whom play central roles in this black sci-fi comedy infused with eccentric humor, romantic elements, and thriller undertones.
The film, written by Will Tracy, follows two conspiracy-obsessed men who kidnap the high-powered CEO of a major company, convinced that she is an alien intent on destroying planet Earth.
The majority of Bugonia has already been filmed in England and New York, with Athens intended as the setting for its bold, unconventional finale. However, with KAS rejecting the Acropolis as a filming location, Lanthimos and his team—including Will Tracy, the Succession screenwriter—must now revise their original plans.
Despite this setback, anticipation remains high for Bugonia, as Lanthimos continues to push creative boundaries in cinema.
The Greek filmmaker has received multiple accolades, including a BAFTA Award and a Golden Globe Award, as well as nominations for six Academy Awards.
His latest film Kinds of Kindness released last year, saw Lanthimos work with key people who have always shared his vision, and he has already achieved great accomplishments with them.
Described as a triptych fable, Kinds of Kindness follows “a man without choice who tries to take control of his own life; a policeman who is alarmed that his wife who was missing-at-sea has returned and seems a different person; and a woman determined to find a specific someone with a special ability, who is destined to become a prodigious spiritual leader.”