Robert Pattinson is set to lead the cast of the highly anticipated sci-fi dark comedy, Mickey 17, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film follows Mickey Barnes, played by Pattinson, who is characterized as an "expendable" worker sent on perilous missions to colonize the frozen alien world of Niflheim. The film's release date has already been set for March 7, 2025, which has fans eagerly awaiting its arrival.
Alongside Pattinson, the star-studded cast features Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, all of whom bring remarkable talent to this unique storyline. Recently, Tim Key, who plays a minor role in the film, shared his thrilling experience upon joining the project. Reported by Screen Rant during the Sundance Film Festival, Key expressed his excitement about working with Bong Joon-ho, famously known for his Oscar-winning film Parasite.
Key recounted the moment he received the phone call about his casting, saying, "I don't know anything [either]! I mean, it's absolutely amazing when you get asked to do something like... taking the phone call, because I love Parasite, I was like 'That is insane.'" This excitement highlights the honor many feel when involved with Joon-ho’s projects, who has established himself as a visionary director renowned for his attention to detail.
What stands out about Mickey 17 is the filmmaking process itself, characterized by Joon-ho’s comprehensive storyboarding method. Key noted, "...in his [movie], it [the script]comes as a little comic book, where every scene has a little cartoon of what it's going to be. That's how he works..." Such creativity allows the cast and crew to visualize each scene's execution, turning the script almost like visual artwork before filming begins.
This method has roots back to Joon-ho’s previous works, where each shot and line of dialogue are carefully mapped out beforehand. It enhances the overall cohesiveness of the final product and provides insight on how the director's mind operates, allowing for greater clarity of cause and effect within the plot.
Having gained acclaim for his past works, particularly for Snowpiercer, which adapted the French graphic novel Le Transperceneige, Joon-ho’s adaptations speak volumes about his talent for translating complex narratives from page to screen. Both Snowpiercer and Mickey 17 are linked by their exploration of existential themes, often interrogative of social constructs, making them more than just visually appealing science fiction tales but also intellectually engaging films.
With Mickey 17, audiences are set to enjoy another thrilling ride through Bong Joon-ho’s eyes—revealing the intricacies of life when faced with death repeatedly. Mickey Barnes must navigate learning about his own existence each time he reincarnates. Over the course of his multiple lives, Mickey is forced to confront what being "expendable" truly means, and how human life can be put at risk for progress.
Key’s observations provide insight not only on Joon-ho's directorial prowess but also serve to heighten the anticipation surrounding the film. Each character is expected to create their own standout moments, embodying complex personalities set against the backdrop of deep comedic elements paired with philosophical inquiry.
Overall, the film promises to be visually stunning, blending themes of humor and dark existential themes. Given the impressive lineup and Joon-ho’s characteristic storytelling style, Mickey 17 has all the makings of content worth savoring. Fans of science fiction, dark comedies, and Joon-ho alike are all set to experience this imaginative world when the film hits theaters on March 7, 2025.