What looks like a science fiction drama takes an unexpected turn with Mikey 17’s comedy.
The recent presentation of MICKEY 17 at CinemaCon in Las Vegas left everyone speechless. Although many expected it to be a tough drama, the film now surprises with a comedy that no one saw coming. Directed by the legendary Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson, this work promises to redefine the boundaries of the science fiction genre.
A sci-fi comedy?
Directing the project, Bong Joon-ho and the charismatic Robert Pattinson, who captivated us with Parasite, showed a preview at CinemaCon that defied all expectations. Originally scheduled for March, Mickey 17 has reportedly been pushed to January 2025, giving him more time to polish visual effects and tune the soundtrack to a comedy.
The clones, Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, played by Pattinson, are at the center of the narrative. Although genetically similar, their behavior could not be more different. Mickey 17 is enthusiastic and cooperative despite his problems, while Mickey 18 emerges as the ‘evil brother’, completely out of control.
Restart on an unusual day
A day that has turned into a month that is generally considered a film graveyard has raised concerns among critics and fans alike. However, the decision seems to be cautious on Joon-ho’s part, especially when it comes to special effects.
In addition to Pattinson, the cast is completed by the likes of Steven Yeun, Naomie Aki, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo. Pattinson said that working on Mickey 17 was “like no other experience”, emphasizing the flexibility and innovation of the film’s approach.
A conspiracy against death
The film Expendable, inspired by Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 7, follows an expendable worker on a colonization mission on the frozen world of Niflheim. After several deaths and rebirths, Mickey learns to navigate the dangers of his job, even as the clone’s double appearance brings new dramatic and hilarious challenges.
Neflim’s life is getting worse. The atmosphere is harsh, food is scarce, and terraforming has failed. The planet’s natives show a growing interest in these human intruders, an interest that is not only curious, but potentially deadly.
An uncertain but promising future
Mickey 17 offers a surprising mix of science fiction and comedy, a combination that can result in a surprising hit or a wonderful cinematic experiment. With a stellar cast and innovative direction, the film is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated of 2025, a hopeful laugh out loud between space colonization and clone survival challenges.
So, as we await the premiere of Mickey 17, the debate continues: Will this genre mash-up capture the public’s attention and set a new path for science fiction narratives? Only time will tell.
The worlds of Bong Joon-ho
Legendary South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho has left an indelible mark on the film industry with his unique style and evocative narratives. Since his debut with Barking Dogs Never Bite, Bong has explored Korean society and the human condition. His film Memoirs of a Murderer established him as a master of thrillers, while The Host and Snowpiercer demonstrated his ability to weave social analysis into the genres of science fiction and horror. But it was Parasite that cemented its international status by winning four Oscars, including the Palme d’Or at Cannes and Best Picture. This win not only raised his profile, but also broadened the perception of Korean cinema on the world stage.