At the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) 2025, Collider's Steve Weintraub engaged in a conversation with Sigourney Weaver and first-time feature director Bryan Fuller about their new film, 'Dust Bunny'. This darkly whimsical fairy tale centers on a young girl who enlists a hitman, portrayed by Mads Mikkelsen, to eliminate the monster residing beneath her bed. Fuller, known for his work on 'Pushing Daisies' and 'Hannibal' where he often blurs the lines between horror and fairy tale, explained why he felt uniquely suited to bring this magical story to the big screen, particularly within budget constraints. Weaver, in turn, shared her motivations for joining the production and offered updates on projects such as 'Alien: Romulus', the 'Avatar' franchise, and 'Star Wars'.

'Dust Bunny', Fuller's directorial debut, premiered at TIFF 2025 and stars Sophie Sloan in her leading role as Aurora, alongside Mads Mikkelsen and Sigourney Weaver. The film reinterprets the common childhood fear of a monster under the bed into a poignant narrative exploring themes of grief, imagination, and unexpected companionship. During their interview at Collider’s Media Studio, Fuller articulated the film's essence, stating, "It's a fairy tale to inspire traumatized children and to speak to adults with traumatized children deep inside their hearts." Both Fuller and Weaver delved into the film's origins, the intricacies of world-building on a limited budget, and Weaver's conviction that 'Dust Bunny' is an "instant classic." Fuller also disclosed that the concept for the film initially began as an idea for 'Amazing Stories' before he realized it encompassed all the themes he cherished, making it an ideal choice for his feature debut. Weaver, a veteran actress, recounted being captivated by Bryan’s unique vision and the originality of the script, especially the character of Aurora, who demonstrates remarkable resilience despite facing tough times. She was particularly drawn to her own character, whom she described as "complex and surprising."

Building a compelling fantasy world on a tight budget presented a significant challenge for 'Dust Bunny'. Fuller lauded the efforts of their Hungarian location scout, Marcy Belonte, who unearthed extraordinary, previously unused locations in Budapest, including the recently refurbished Hungarian treasury, which served as the main building for filming. This approach allowed the team to construct their world around existing structures, making it both feasible and affordable. The director also praised his crew, including cinematographer Nicole Whitaker and key grip, affectionately known as 'Techno Fairy'. Every morning, 'Techno Fairy' would ingeniously assemble custom-length cranes from scaffolding and belts, demonstrating a deep dedication to the project. Weaver expressed immense admiration for Fuller's ability to navigate financial and time constraints with grace and patience, yielding a film that looks far more expensive than its actual budget.

The editing process, guided by Lisa Lassek, who had previously collaborated with Fuller on 'Wonder Falls' and 'Pushing Daisies', proved crucial. Fuller noted the distinct differences between post-production for film and television, highlighting Lassek's invaluable expertise and support. She served as an ally, helping him discern which issues to challenge and which to let go. Weaver, upon seeing the finished film, was profoundly impressed by its immersive quality, reminiscent of Maurice Sendak's wild imagination, where "impossible happenings" continuously push the boundaries of a typical movie. She commended the collective efforts of the crew, including costume designer Olivier Bériot, who joined the project through Weaver's recommendation and brought a wealth of experience, having worked with her since 'Gorillas in the Mist'.

Beyond 'Dust Bunny', the interview touched upon other notable projects. Sigourney Weaver shared her thoughts on Noah Hawley's 'Alien: Earth' series, expressing admiration for its broader scope that delves into the future of our world, the role of greed, and societal themes, rather than being solely 'Alien-centric'. She lauded its beautiful casting and execution, finding it remarkably sophisticated for television. Bryan Fuller, for his part, highly recommended 'Andor', particularly Episode 8 of Season 2, hailing both seasons as masterpieces and the best 'Star Wars' content since 1980, emphasizing its contemporary relevance. Weaver playfully countered, teasing that 'The Mandalorian & Grogu' would be a "fun time at the movies." She also spoke glowingly about working with James Cameron on the 'Avatar' franchise, praising his singular vision, technological prowess, and the deeply human, heartbreaking stories of family embedded within the spectacular visuals. Weaver confirmed she has read the scripts for 'Avatar 4' and 'Avatar 5', asserting that fans will be thrilled by how much gets paid off in surprising ways. She emphasized the fundamental acting work required on set, despite the motion-capture suits, calling it an honor to contribute to such ambitious storytelling. 'Dust Bunny' is set to be released in theaters on December 12.