Jennifer Lawrence didn’t want Emma Stone to shave her hair, but in the end, friendship, artistry, and bold transformation prevailed. In a revealing Vogue cover profile published August 12, 2025, Jennifer Lawrence confessed her initial hesitation about her longtime friend Emma Stone undergoing a dramatic haircut for the highly anticipated film Bugonia.
Jennifer Lawrence didn’t want Emma Stone to shave her hair — A heartfelt revelation
Right at the heart of their conversation lies a rare moment of candor: Lawrence admitted to Vogue that “I didn’t want her to shave her head. I had already lived through the Billie Jean King haircut,” referencing Stone’s striking look in Battle of the Sexes (2017). Despite the hesitation, Lawrence humbly acknowledged that “Honestly, she looked beautiful. She pulled it off,” demonstrating that support triumphed over apprehension.
The backdrop: Bugonia and its daring transformation
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia is a reimagining of the 2003 South Korean sci-fi thriller Save the Green Planet! The film sees Emma Stone portraying a kidnapped pharmaceutical CEO. In an unsettling twist, her character’s hair is shaved live on-screen — a physically and emotionally charged moment filmed in real time.
For Stone, the act of shaving her head was more than a beauty decision — it was a powerful, exhilarating experience. She described “the first shower when you’ve shaved your head” as “no better feeling in the world”. The gesture resonated deeply with her personal history: her mother Krista had also shaved her head during breast cancer treatment — a poignant memory that made the transformation emotional yet brave. Stone even shaved the director’s head before filming the scene — a testament to her fearless immersion into the role.
The bond between two shining stars
Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Stone share a friendship forged through mutual respect and shared triumphs. Lawrence helped present Stone with an Oscar for Poor Things in 2023, an often emotional moment that highlighted their deep bond. So when Stone prepared to shave her hair for Bugonia, it was Lawrence’s genuine concern as a friend — not as an actress — that came through.
Yet Lawrence’s embrace of Stone’s transformation exemplifies true support: she acknowledges the artistry and vulnerability it takes to make such a bold choice. Audiences often see celebrities in polished perfection, but this moment reminds us of the real, sometimes uncomfortable sacrifices behind great performances.
Anticipation builds: Bugonia’s expected release.
The film is slated to hit theaters on October 31, 2025 (some outlets cite October 24, 2025 — but most official sources confirm the end-of-month launch). Fans can expect another creative, emotionally intense collaboration from Stone and Lanthimos, with Lawrence’s anecdote adding an intimate behind-the-scenes glimpse.
Final thoughts
This awesome story showcases the intersection of friendship, artistry, and courage. The focus on “Jennifer Lawrence didn’t want Emma Stone to shave her hair” underscores a rare second wherein a famous friendship intersected with innovative integrity.
In the end, Stone’s transformation wasn’t just about altering her appearance — it became an effective preference that brought depth to her role, resonated on a personal level, and challenged norms. Meanwhile, Lawrence’s vulnerability and eventual popularity highlight the importance of assisting bold artwork, even when it’s difficult to look at.
As Bugonia approaches its October 2025 release, this anecdote invites audiences to appreciate the humanity behind the camera, where every shave, tear, and bold moment is rooted in real emotion.
