Yorgos Lanthimos Jokes About Sending AI Avatar to Avoid Film Promotion Grind

Director Yorgos Lanthimos expressed fatigue with the relentless film promotion cycle. He made the comments during a talk at the BFI London Film Festival. The event followed the U.K. premiere of his new movie, Bugonia.

Lanthimos questioned the necessity of repeating the same information endlessly. He spoke with Succession creator Jesse Armstrong about the commercial pressures filmmakers face. The director acknowledged producers need to recoup their investments.

Director Compares Promotion Time to Filming Schedule

Lanthimos revealed the sheer duration of a film’s press run. He said it can take up to six months. That is comparable to the time spent filming and editing a feature.

This repetitive process left him searching for alternatives. He lamented forgetting what he had already told different interviewers. The director wondered why technology couldn’t provide a more efficient solution.

AI Avatar Proposal Sparks Laughter and Debate

As the audience laughed, Lanthimos jokingly suggested creating an AI avatar. This digital double could handle promotional duties in his place. He immediately acknowledged this idea seemed contrary to his likely beliefs about artificial intelligence.

Jesse Armstrong quipped about the director’s unexpected proposal. He referenced Lanthimos’s earlier call for a benevolent world dictator. The conversation highlighted the director’s complex views on modern systems and solutions.

The discussion also covered his creative journey after the 2008 financial crash. Moving to the U.K. allowed him greater artistic freedom. His collaborator Emma Stone is already generating awards buzz for her performance in Bugonia.

The director’s humorous take on a serious issue for many artists underscores a growing industry conversation. The demand for constant content and accessibility is immense. Lanthimos’s AI avatar comment, while made in jest, points to a real tension between art and commerce in the digital age.

Thought you’d like to know

What is Yorgos Lanthimos’s new film called?

His latest film is titled *Bugonia*. It stars Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, and Aidan Delbis. The film had its U.K. premiere at the BFI London Film Festival.

What did Lanthimos say about film promotion?

He expressed frustration with its repetitive and lengthy nature. He said promoting a film can take as long as making one. The director questioned if there was a better way.

Who did Lanthimos speak with at the festival?

His conversation was with Jesse Armstrong, the creator of *Succession*. Their talk covered filmmaking, politics, and promotion. The event was part of the festival’s programming.

Is Emma Stone in the new Lanthimos film?

Yes, Emma Stone stars in *Bugonia*. She plays a CEO kidnapped by conspiracy theorists. Her performance is already attracting awards attention.

When is the BFI London Film Festival 2025?

The festival is scheduled for October 8 to 19, 2025. It hosts premieres and talks with major film industry figures. The event is a key date in the international film calendar.