Mickey 17 (2025)

Mickey 17 (2025) – A Sci-Fi Dark Comedy by Bong Joon-ho

Everything you need to know about the upcoming sci-fi blockbuster starring Robert Pattinson

Mickey 17 is an eagerly awaited science fiction black comedy film written, directed, and produced by the acclaimed Bong Joon-ho, best known for his Oscar-winning film Parasite. This adaptation of Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7 brings a fresh, darkly comedic perspective on themes of identity and immortality. The film boasts a stellar cast, including Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.

Release Date

Mickey 17 is set to premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025, before hitting theaters in South Korea on February 28, 2025. The film will then be released in the United States on March 7, 2025, under Warner Bros. Pictures.

Premise

Mickey Barnes, a man desperate to escape Earth, joins an interplanetary mission where he becomes an “expendable” – a crew member who risks death on dangerous assignments with the assurance that his memories will be transferred to a new body if he dies. However, when Mickey 17 survives an expedition to colonize the ice planet Niflheim, things take an unexpected turn. He faces off against his new clone, Mickey 18, as the colonization mission spirals into chaos.

Cast

• Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes
• Naomi Ackie as Nasha Adjaya
• Steven Yeun as Berto
• Toni Collette as Gwen Johansen
• Mark Ruffalo as Hieronymous Marshall
• Holliday Grainger as Gemma
• Anamaria Vartolomei as Kai Katz
• Thomas Turgoose, Angus Imrie, Patsy Ferran, and Daniel Henshall in supporting roles
• Steve Park as Agent Zeke

Production

The film adaptation of Mickey7 was announced in January 2022, with Bong Joon-ho attached as director and producer. Robert Pattinson was confirmed for the lead role, and other high-profile actors joined the cast throughout 2022. Production took place at Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden, England, from August to December 2022.

Why the Title Change?

Originally based on the novel Mickey7, the film’s title was changed to Mickey 17. Bong Joon-ho explained that the number reflects the number of times the character Mickey has died throughout the story, with Mickey 17 representing the “latest” iteration of the character.

Plot Deep Dive

The narrative of Mickey 17 expands beyond a simple sci-fi premise of space travel and cloning. As Mickey navigates the dangers of Niflheim, he must confront not only the perils of alien life but also the ethical and emotional consequences of his multiple resurrections. When the “multiples” begin to interact, the film delves into the complex dynamics of identity, memory, and self-worth.

Trailer

The trailer, released on January 22, 2025, highlights the film’s unique blend of dark humor and high-concept sci-fi, while giving us a glimpse of the character dynamics and the conflict surrounding the multiple versions of Mickey.

Director and Crew

Bong Joon-ho, who has already established himself as a master of blending drama with absurdity (Parasite, Okja), teams up with cinematographer Darius Khondji and editor Yang Jin-mo, both of whom have worked with him on previous projects. Composer Jung Jae-il, another longtime collaborator, provides the film’s music.

Thematic Exploration

Mickey 17 explores heavy themes like immortality, the ethics of cloning, and the human desire to escape a dying planet. With Bong’s signature absurdist approach to complex subjects, the film promises to offer both intellectual depth and entertaining spectacle.

Final Thoughts

Anticipation for Mickey 17 is building, and with Bong Joon-ho at the helm and a stellar cast, this film is set to be one of 2025’s most talked-about releases. The film’s blend of sci-fi, dark humor, and existential questions makes it a must-see for fans of Bong’s work and genre enthusiasts alike.