Hey, movie fans! If you’re in the U.S. and love a good mix of sci-fi, dark comedy, and a dash of social commentary, you’ve probably got Mickey 17 on your radar. As of today, March 9, 2025, Bong Joon Ho’s latest flick is officially out in theaters (released March 7), and it’s already sparking chatter. Fresh off his Parasite Oscar win, Bong’s back with a wild dystopian romp starring Robert Pattinson—and trust me, this one’s a trip. Here’s the lowdown on Mickey 17, why it’s worth your popcorn money, and what’s got everyone talking.
What’s Mickey 17 All About?
Picture this: it’s 2054, humanity’s ditched Earth to colonize an icy planet called Niflheim, and Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) is the guy they keep sending to die. He’s an “expendable”—a disposable worker who gets printed anew each time he bites the dust, memories mostly intact. Based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7 (Bong bumped it to 17 because, well, more deaths = more fun), the story follows Mickey 17 as he navigates deadly missions, a glitchy cloning system, and some creepy-cute alien critters called “creepers.” Things get messy when Mickey 18 shows up, and having two Mickeys alive at once is a big no-no for the colony’s shady leaders.
It’s classic Bong—think Snowpiercer meets Okja, but with a bigger budget and a sharper satirical edge. The film’s got corporate greed, class struggles, and a not-so-subtle jab at authoritarian buffoons, all wrapped in a slick sci-fi package.
Bong Joon Ho’s Hollywood Swing
Bong Joon Ho doesn’t mess around. After Parasite snagged Best Picture in 2019—the first non-English film to do it—he’s got the clout to swing big. Mickey 17 is his most ambitious English-language project yet, shot in 2022 with a reported $150 million from Warner Bros. It’s his third go at English films after Snowpiercer and Okja, but this one feels like he’s unleashed. The visuals, thanks to cinematographer Darius Khondji (Se7en), are jaw-dropping—icy wastelands, industrial gloom, and those freaky creepers. Bong’s signature? Mixing laughs with gut punches, and this time, he’s got Pattinson as his secret weapon.
The road to theaters wasn’t smooth, though. Originally set for March 2024, it got delayed by the 2023 Hollywood strikes, bouncing to January 2025 before landing on March 7. Early buzz from a Berlin premiere last month had folks worried—would it live up to Parasite? Spoiler: it’s not Parasite, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a blockbuster with brains, and that’s plenty.
Robert Pattinson Steals the Show
Let’s talk Robert Pattinson. Post-Twilight, he’s carved out a niche for unhinged, quirky roles—think The Lighthouse or The Batman. Here, he’s playing multiple Mickeys, and it’s a blast. Mickey 17’s a nasal, awkward pushover who just wants to survive, while Mickey 18’s a cocky rebel with a wild streak. Pattinson’s bouncing between goofy physical comedy and raw emotion, and early reviews say he’s the glue holding this chaotic ride together. Oh, and he’s got a love story with Nasha (Naomi Ackie), the security officer who sees him as more than a lab rat. It’s sweet, weird, and totally Pattinson.
The cast’s stacked too—Mark Ruffalo as a Trump-ish blowhard leader, Toni Collette as his cunning wife, and Steven Yeun as Mickey’s shady buddy Timo. Ruffalo’s getting buzz for chewing scenery like a cartoon villain, which fits Bong’s over-the-top satire vibe.
Why It’s Hitting Now
Mickey 17 landed at a wild time. With Trump back in office as of January 2025, Bong’s take on corrupt power and disposable workers feels extra sharp— accidental timing, since the script wrapped in 2021. The film’s climax, where Mickeys team up with the creepers against the colony’s elite, has folks on X calling it “the anti-Trump movie we need.” It’s not subtle—Bong never is—but it’s got a hopeful twist that’s rare for him. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it’s about finding humanity in a capitalist hellscape.
Should You See It?
If you dig Bong’s style—big ideas, dark laughs, and a little messiness—Mickey 17 is a must. It’s not as tight as Parasite, and some say the third act gets cluttered with action and subplots (those creepers don’t help). But Pattinson’s performance, the visuals, and Bong’s knack for sticking it to the system make it a theater-worthy ride. It’s R-rated for violence, language, and some edgy bits, so leave the kids at home.
What do you think—gonna catch Mickey 17 this weekend? Favorite Bong film? Hit the comments—I’m curious what you make of this sci-fi rollercoaster!
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