The first trailer for Bong Joon-ho’s upcoming movie Mickey 17 has been released, and it has left many fans intrigued by its unusual storyline.
As the director’s follow-up to his critically acclaimed film Parasite, people are curious to learn more about the mysterious plot.
Mickey 17 is based on the 2022 novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton and features an all-star cast including Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette.
The movie is scheduled for release in January 2025, and with its dark humor and thought-provoking themes, it promises to be a memorable experience.
The Source Material: Edward Ashton’s Mickey7
Mickey 17 is adapted from Ashton’s science fiction novel Mickey7, which takes place in the distant future. The book introduces readers to Mickey Barnes, a man assigned to help establish a human colony on the ice-covered planet Niflheim.
Mickey belongs to a group of workers known as “Expendables,” individuals tasked with the most dangerous jobs because they can be cloned if they die.
When an Expendable dies, a new version of them is created, carrying the same memories up to a certain point. This ensures the continuity of the mission without losing important skills and knowledge.
Mickey’s role as an Expendable is far from glamorous. It’s a job that highlights the utilitarian nature of human expansion into space, where individuals like Mickey are seen as disposable tools.
Despite the life-and-death situations he constantly faces, Mickey continues his mission with the understanding that he will always return—although each time, a part of him is lost or altered in the process.
The Conflict: Mickey7 vs. Mickey8
The main conflict in Mickey7 arises when the seventh version of Mickey is believed to be dead after falling into a crevasse during a mission.
His friend Berto and girlfriend Nasha report his death to the mission leader, Hieronymous Marshall. As a result, a new clone, Mickey 8, is created. However, Mickey7 survives the accident and returns to the colony, only to discover that another version of himself now exists.
The presence of two Expendables at the same time is considered a serious problem. If the colony’s authorities discover both Mickeys, they will likely be “recycled” for protein to prevent any confusion or conflict.
This forces Mickey7 to go into hiding, trying to keep his existence a secret from his friends, superiors, and even the other version of himself.
Meanwhile, the harsh conditions on Niflheim worsen, and the survival of the colony becomes increasingly uncertain. Mickey7 must balance the need to stay hidden while also finding a way to help save the colony from its impending collapse.
Identity and the Existential Dilemma of Immortality
The novel Mickey7 raises significant philosophical questions, especially regarding identity and the nature of existence. When a person dies and is cloned, are they still the same person as before? This is the central question that Mickey faces, especially since he has died multiple times and returned in slightly altered forms.
Each time he is cloned, a piece of him changes, and he begins to question whether he is truly the same Mickey who started the mission.
In an interview, author Edward Ashton explained that the book uniquely shows the idea of immortality.
He wanted to look at how someone might deal with dying repeatedly and coming back to life without ever being sure if they remain the same person.
This philosophical angle provides depth to the story and makes Mickey’s journey more than just a science fiction adventure.
Bong Joon-ho’s adaptation of Mickey 7 will likely show these existential themes, as he is known for incorporating deep, thought-provoking concepts into his films.
Robert Pattinson, playing the lead role, will be tasked with portraying both Mickey7 and Mickey8, bringing to life the emotional and psychological challenges of a character who has been through death multiple times.
Humor and Dark Tone in Mickey7
Despite the heavy themes of identity and existence, Mickey7 is filled with humor. Mickey’s dry, sarcastic voice adds a light touch to the otherwise dark storyline.
In the novel’s opening scene, Mickey7, lying at the bottom of the crevasse, remarks, “This is gonna be my stupidest death ever.” The humor helps balance the grim realities of Mickey’s life as an Expendable and keeps the tone from becoming too bleak.
Bong Joon-ho’s films often have a similar balance between humor and darkness, making him a great fit for this project.
In previous works like Memories of Murder and Parasite, Bong has skillfully mixed serious, sometimes tragic themes with absurd humor, creating a unique cinematic experience.
Based on the trailer, it seems that Mickey 17 will continue this trend. The use of Dean Martin’s song “Ain’t That A Kick in the Head?” in the trailer, alongside scenes of explosions and chaos, hints at the darkly comedic tone viewers can expect from the movie.
Bong Joon-ho’s Approach to the Adaptation
While Mickey 17 is based on Ashton’s novel, Bong Joon-ho is expected to make significant changes in his adaptation.
Ashton himself has expressed confidence in Bong’s vision, calling him a genius and praising his ability to bring the story to life in a new way.
Though specific details of Bong’s interpretation are still under wraps, it’s clear that the film will retain the core elements of the novel while adding Bong’s unique touch.
Pattinson’s previous work in science fiction, particularly in Claire Denis’ High Life, has shown that he can handle complex, introspective roles.
In High Life, he played a father struggling to survive with his daughter after a failed mission in space, which is similar in tone to the challenges faced by Mickey Barnes.
With Pattinson in the lead, along with a talented supporting cast, Mickey 17 is shaping up to be a compelling and original sci-fi movie.
What To Expect from Mickey 17
As fans await the release of Mickey 17 in January 2025, there’s no doubt that Bong Joon-ho’s adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel will bring a unique mix of humor, dark themes, and philosophical questions.
The film’s focus on identity, mortality, and human nature, combined with Bong’s signature style, will likely create a memorable cinematic experience.
With a strong cast, intriguing source material, and Bong’s creative direction, Mickey 17 promises to be a standout in the science fiction genre.
