Emma Stone Can't Let Go of Her Most Beloved Character
The Oscar-winning actress reveals her deep emotional connection to playing Bella Baxter, admitting she'd choose this role over any other for the rest of her career.
Actors often struggle when filming wraps on meaningful projects. The transition from living as someone else back to reality can feel jarring, even devastating. For Emma Stone, one particular farewell has proven impossible to accept.
Many performers experience this attachment after intense method acting experiences. Jim Carrey famously lost himself while portraying Andy Kaufman. "I didn't know who I was anymore when the movie was over. I didn't know what my politics were. I couldn't remember what I was about," he admitted. The role consumed everything.
When Goodbye Feels Impossible
Florence Pugh described similar anguish after Midsommar ended. "I felt like I'd left [Dani] in that field in that state. I definitely felt like I'd left her there in that field to be abused," she explained. The guilt of abandoning her character without resolution haunted her.
Stone has appeared in countless films throughout her career. Most roles involved ordinary people she could easily step into and out of. But Yorgos Lanthimos' Poor Things changed everything.
An Unbreakable Bond
"If I could have a chance to play Bella again forevermore, I would," Stone told W Magazine. Her obsession with Bella Baxter has become so obvious that even Lanthimos jokes about it. "I mean, even Yorgos is like, 'We get it, you miss Bella. Get over it. Grow up,'" Stone laughed.
This wasn't typical promotional enthusiasm. Stone's passion for the project went far beyond contractual obligations. Her genuine love for the character was unmistakable from day one.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Role
"[She's my favourite character ever], like hands down, by a mile – she's incredible," Stone told The Irish Examiner. "I know that I probably will never ever get to even touch a character like Bella ever again, which is heartbreaking to me, but also incredible because to be so lucky to get to play a character like her."
Some might assume Stone's attachment stems from the role's success and recognition. But her connection runs much deeper. Playing Bella offered a sense of freedom she'd never experienced before.
"Bella is precious to me," Stone said, though even those words felt inadequate to capture what the character truly meant to her.