Bong Joon-ho is one of the most celebrated filmmakers of our time. His upcoming film, Mickey 17, has already created a buzz among fans and critics.
While the wait for his next masterpiece is a little longer, there’s plenty of exciting information about this highly anticipated project. This film marks his return to science fiction, a genre that helped establish him as a globally recognized director.
Bong Joon-ho is known for his versatility, and his earlier works in science fiction have earned him immense praise. His monster movie, The Host, remains a modern classic with its perfect mix of suspense and large-scale visual effects.
Another standout is Snowpiercer, his first English-language film, which adapted a graphic novel into a gripping tale of social commentary and action. Okja, his dark take on a child-and-creature story, further demonstrated his ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with deeper themes.
However, his most iconic achievement remains Parasite. This 2019 film broke barriers, combining drama, comedy, and suspense in a way that attracted global audiences. Its universal acclaim culminated in an Academy Award for Best Picture, making it the first international feature to win the top honor. Now, all eyes are on Mickey 17, as Bong Joon-ho returns with a dystopian sci-fi film that promises to offer a fresh cinematic experience.
What Is Mickey 17 About?
Mickey 17 is based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, a dystopian science fiction story set in a harsh and unforgiving outer space environment. The movie follows a clone named Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, who performs dangerous tasks for his employer. Mickey is not just expendable—he is designed to die and be replaced by another clone every time he fails a mission.
The official synopsis from Warner Bros. describes Mickey as an “unlikely hero” placed in extraordinary circumstances. While his job demands complete commitment—even to the point of death—Mickey’s journey unfolds in a world filled with both dark humor and intense drama. Bong Joon-ho’s adaptation seems to go beyond the novel, possibly making this a sequel rather than a direct retelling.
Who Stars in Mickey 17?
The cast of Mickey 17 is led by Robert Pattinson, who plays not just the current Mickey clone but also his previous and future versions. Pattinson’s career has been thriving, especially after his portrayal of Batman in The Batman.
The film also features an exceptional supporting cast. Steven Yeun, known for his Oscar-nominated performance in Minari, and Naomi Ackie, recognized for Blink Twice, play Mickey’s allies Berto and Nasha.
Academy Award nominees Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette portray Hieronymous Marshall, a commanding antagonist, and his second-in-command Gwen Johansen. Their presence promises a layered narrative with rich character dynamics.
Why Is This Film Significant for Bong Joon-ho?
After the global success of Parasite, Bong Joon-ho’s return to filmmaking carries high expectations. With Mickey 17, he revisits science fiction—a genre where he has previously excelled. Fans of his earlier works, like Snowpiercer and Okja, can anticipate a film that balances thrilling action, emotional depth, and thought-provoking themes.
This project also marks Bong Joon-ho’s first time using IMAX technology, ensuring a visually stunning experience for viewers. His collaboration with a skilled team, including Squid Game composer Jung Jae-il and renowned cinematographer Darius Khondji, adds further depth to this ambitious production.
When Will Mickey 17 Be Released?
Mickey 17 is set to release in theaters on March 7, 2025. It will also premiere in February 2025 at the 75th Berlinale, Germany’s prestigious international film festival.
The film faced multiple delays during its production and post-production stages. Initially scheduled for March 29, 2024, it was postponed to January 31, 2025. A further adjustment was placed on April 18, 2025, before Warner Bros. finalized the March 7 release date.
The delays were partly due to Robert Pattinson’s busy schedule. Ensuring his availability for promotions was crucial, as he is central to the film’s appeal. Despite the setbacks, the release now aligns well with awards season, which could position the film as a strong contender for future accolades.
Where Can You Watch Mickey 17?
Mickey 17 will be exclusively released in theaters. Fans can also look forward to an IMAX version, offering a larger-than-life cinematic experience.
Currently, there are no confirmed plans for a streaming release. Given Bong Joon-ho’s previous collaboration with Netflix for Okja, fans speculated a similar arrangement. However, since Warner Bros. is producing the film, it is more likely to eventually stream on Max, their official platform.
What Is Mickey 17 Rated?
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) has rated Mickey 17 R for its intense content. This includes violence, strong language, sexual scenes, and drug use.
This rating is consistent with Bong Joon-ho’s previous films, all of which have carried an R rating. Despite the film’s larger budget, there was no push to make it more family-friendly with a PG-13 rating, ensuring that the director’s creative vision remains intact.
How Long Is Mickey 17?
With a runtime of 137 minutes (2 hours and 17 minutes), Mickey 17 is Bong Joon-ho’s longest film to date. This surpasses the 132-minute runtimes of his earlier films, Parasite and Memories of Murder.
Is There a Trailer for Mickey 17?
Warner Bros. released the first teaser trailer for Mickey 17 on December 5, 2022. The 30-second clip introduced Robert Pattinson’s character lying in a chamber and staring directly at the camera. The eerie visuals, combined with the title’s slow reveal, reminded viewers of the opening credits from Alien.
A full-length trailer followed on September 17, 2024. Featuring Dean Martin’s classic song “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head,” the trailer showcased a comedic tone that fans may not have expected. A second trailer, released on January 22, 2025, used The Animals’ “It’s My Life” and offered a more detailed look at the film’s story and themes.
Will Mickey 17 Have a Sequel?
While it’s too early to confirm, the possibility of a sequel exists. Edward Ashton, the author of Mickey7, has already written a follow-up novel titled Antimatter Blues.
If Mickey 17 performs well at the box office, Warner Bros. may expand the story further. However, Bong Joon-ho has not historically worked on sequels, so any continuation may depend on his interest in revisiting the project.
The Team Behind Mickey 17
Bong Joon-ho wears multiple hats as the writer, director, and producer of Mickey 17. His crew includes talented professionals like editor Jinmo Yang (Parasite), production designer Fiona Crombie (The Favourite), and costume designer Catherine George (Snowpiercer). Visual effects are overseen by Dan Glass, known for his work on The Matrix Reloaded.
When and Where Was Mickey 17 Filmed?
Filming for Mickey 17 began in August 2022. Despite the teaser trailer arriving just months after production started, filming wrapped smoothly, and the project has since moved into post-production.
Final Thoughts
With its star-studded cast, groundbreaking visuals, and Bong Joon-ho’s distinctive storytelling, Mickey 17 promises to be an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a fan of science fiction, intense drama, or gripping narratives, this film offers something special for everyone.
