The first full trailer for “Mickey 17” has officially hit the screens, piquing interest among sci-fi enthusiasts and Bong Joon-ho fans alike. Directed by the acclaimed filmmaker, known for masterpieces like “Parasite” and “Snowpiercer,” “Mickey 17” promises a gripping narrative wrapped in a visually stunning package. The movie stars Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, and Naomi Ackie, and is set to grace U.S. theaters on January 31, 2025.
Plot Overview
“Mickey 17” is adapted from Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel “Mickey 17,” which takes us on a bonkers journey to an ice world named Niflheim. Our protagonist, Mickey Barnes (played by Pattinson), embodies the role of a “disposable” employee tasked with the perilous mission of colonizing this harsh new world. Essentially expendable, Mickey meets his end repeatedly only to be regenerated with most of his memories intact. Think of him as the cat with multiple lives, but far less cuddly and more existentially burdened.
Here’s the kicker—whenever Mickey dies, a new iteration springs to life. After six fatal encounters, our hero, now Mickey 17, is quite familiar with his grim cycle of death and rebirth. But things take an intriguing turn when a routine mission goes awry. Mickey 17 gets lost but miraculously returns to find that Mickey 18 has already taken his place. With duplicate Mickeys running around, this opens up a Pandora’s box of ethical dilemmas and survival tactics.
The colony is on high alert. Resources are dwindling, the atmosphere is inhospitable, and the native species are growing increasingly curious about their human neighbors. Having two Mickeys jeopardizes the fragile balance. Now, Mickey7 must keep his clone hidden while navigating the myriad challenges that come with colonizing a planet that seems designed to kill humans.
Cast and Crew
The stellar cast brings together big names and extraordinary talent:
- Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes
- Steven Yeun
- Naomi Ackie
- Toni Collette
- Mark Ruffalo
- Holliday Grainger
- Angus Imrie
Bong Joon-ho, apart from directing, took on the scripting duties, ensuring that the film remains faithful to its source material while possibly adding his unique cinematic flavor. His directorial portfolio is nothing short of impressive, with films like “The Host” and “Okja” further emphasizing his knack for combining social commentary with genre elements.
Production Insights
Produced under the banner of Warner Bros. Pictures, “Mickey 17” aims for a theatrical release that capitalizes on Joon-ho’s global acclaim. Expect cutting-edge VFX to bring Niflheim’s icy landscape to life and a layered narrative that explores deeper themes of identity, mortality, and survival.
While there hasn’t been any formal critical reception of the film yet (since it’s pending release), the buzz around it suggests high expectations. Given the track record of both Pattinson, who has evolved considerably as an actor, and Joon-ho’s masterful storytelling, this is one movie that fans and critics will be eagerly awaiting.
Pattinson surprised attendees at CinemaCon in Las Vegas in April with a preview of the movie, discussing his draw to the project.
“I’ve been the biggest fan of Bong for many, many years; he’s my hero,” Pattinson said at the event, according to Entertainment Weekly. “I got sent the script; I was told, ‘You’re gonna love the script, but the part is impossible.’ That was very, very exciting to me. I thought it was the most unusual, bizarre, funny script.”
The actor from “The Batman” has shared his enthusiasm for portraying “two very entertaining characters.”
“Mickey 17 is someone who has the lowest expectations of his life, and yet the world keeps pushing those expectations, to the point where he has a job that tortures him every day. And then 18 comes along, and he’s got frontal lobe damage and no self-control, libido out of control,” he said of the titular character. “It’s like playing an evil brother or twin.”
Closing Credits
“Mickey 17” sets the stage for another unforgettable addition to the sci-fi canon, guided by the deft hand of Bong Joon-ho. With a star-studded cast and a premise packed with existential quandaries, this film is slated to intrigue and entertain. Mark your calendars for January 31, 2025, because missing out on this cinematic adventure would be more foolish than sending a single, disposable employee to colonize an ice planet.
