Robert Pattinson has recently revealed how he looked to actor Steve Buscemi’s memorable performance in the 1996 film Fargo when developing his character for the upcoming film Mickey 17. At the film's press conference during the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, Pattinson shared insights about the eccentric accents he adopts to portray the character of Mickey, who is uniquely described as 'expendable' and brought back to life 17 times for perilous space missions.
During the conference, Pattinson noted, "I actually think I realized today what I was doing," referring to how Buscemi's character influenced his preparation. This anecdote emerged when director Bong Joon Ho brought up the idea of another character's accent, leading Pattinson to reflect on his own approach. It seems the aesthetic quality of Buscemi’s delivery stuck with Pattinson, who is known for his diverse skill set and transformative abilities as an actor.
Pattinson explained his process of accent preparation, indicating how whimsical and experimental it can be. He shared, "We were doing an interview earlier and Bong said one of the thoughts he was having for [Mickey] 18 was Peter Stormare from Fargo. And then I think how [...] it went to do Steve Buscemi as 17." This acknowledgment highlights the interconnectedness of cinematic influences across different generations, especially considering how Fargo is still referenced two decades later.
Buscemi himself reacted with astonishment when informed about Pattinson's tribute. The actor conveyed his feelings to The Hollywood Reporter, stating simply, "I’m kind of blown away by it." While he had not seen Mickey 17, he expressed curiosity about the creative choices made by Pattinson and shared his surprise and delight about the continued relevance of his iconic Fargo accent.
Buscemi’s character, along with Stormare’s, was initially perceived as outsiders, leading to the unique inflections and speech patterns they used. He highlighted uncertainty about exactly which aspects of his character's delivery influenced Pattinson: “I’m not sure if he was inspired by my accent, my voice or the way my character spoke.” Nevertheless, the homage points to Buscemi's lasting impression within the industry.
Pattinson’s character is characterized not only by resurrecting but by adopting varied personas with unique vocal styles. Previously, he disclosed some of the various inspirations he drew from, indicating they were not universally well-received by director Bong. He humorously recounted how he initially showcased impressions of Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville from Jackass, which he claimed elicited the response, "That voice sound like nails on a chalkboard."
Given the playful nature of Mickey 17, Pattinson found inspiration from unexpected places, such as entertaining cartoon voices. He adds, "It’s a little like Stimpy," comparing how Mickey’s voice aims to vary among the many versions of his character. Fans of the Nickelodeon show Ren & Stimpy will recognize the individuality of the characters, reflecting Pattinson’s commitment to infusing his portrayal with distinct personality traits.
Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon Ho, is anticipated to explore themes of identity, resilience, and the essence of humanity against the backdrop of space—an ambitious narrative thread consistent for the filmmaker. With Pattinson's diverse character reinvention and the rich legacy of Buscemi's earlier work, audiences can look forward to how both actors' performances harmoniously weave together.
The upcoming film, which premiered at the Berlin Film Festival, exemplifies the swirling connections among modern storytelling and its inspirations from the past. Pattinson's connection to Buscemi's performance and the light it sheds on contemporary acting choices contribute to the dialogue within the film industry today.