Emma Stone’s Unbreakable Bond With Her Most Beloved Character
Emma Stone opens up about her deep connection to Bella Baxter from Poor Things, sharing why this role stands out as her all-time favorite and why she wishes she could play Bella forever.
It ’s not uncommon for actors to struggle with letting go of a character, especially after investing so much of themselves into a role. The emotional toll can be intense, and for some, the process of saying goodbye is almost impossible. Emma Stone knows this feeling all too well. Despite her long list of film credits, there’s one character she still finds herself missing deeply.
Many actors have spoken about the difficulty of moving on after a transformative performance. Jim Carrey, for example, once described how playing Andy Kaufman left him feeling lost:
“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.”
For those who dive deep into their roles, the line between actor and character can blur, making the final cut feel like a real loss.
Leaving a Piece Behind
Even actors who don’t fully immerse themselves through method acting can find it hard to walk away. Florence Pugh once reflected on her experience finishing Midsommar, saying,
“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.”
The sense of guilt and sadness that comes with leaving a character behind can be overwhelming, especially when the story doesn’t end happily.
For Stone, most of her previous roles were grounded in reality—characters she could step in and out of without much trouble. But when she took on her most challenging part yet, the goodbye hit differently. This time, it wasn’t about the pain or darkness of the role. Instead, it was about love.
A Role That Changed Everything
Emma Stone has never hidden her affection for Bella Baxter, the character she played in Yorgos Lanthimos’ Poor Things. In fact, she’s been open about just how much this role means to her. Speaking to W Magazine, she admitted,
“If I could have a chance to play Bella again forevermore, I would.”
Her attachment to Bella is so strong that even Lanthimos has teased her about it, with Stone joking,
“I mean, even Yorgos is like, ‘We get it, you miss Bella. Get over it. Grow up.’”
From the very beginning, Stone’s passion for the project was obvious. Her enthusiasm went far beyond the usual promotional duties. She was genuinely obsessed with the character and the experience of bringing her to life.
Why Bella Baxter Stands Out
Stone has called Bella her favorite character by a long shot. In her own words to The Irish Examiner,
“[She’s my favourite character ever], like hands down, by a mile – she’s incredible.”
She recognizes that roles like Bella don’t come around often, and the thought of never playing someone like her again is both heartbreaking and a reminder of how lucky she was to have the opportunity.
Some might assume her affection is tied to the success the role brought her, but for Stone, it’s much more personal. Playing Bella gave her a sense of freedom she hadn’t experienced before. As she put it,
“Bella is precious to me.”
No matter how many roles she takes on in the future, Bella Baxter will always hold a special place in her heart.