Fans eagerly awaiting the next project from the legendary Bong Joon-ho will have to exercise a bit more patience, but Mickey 17 promises to be worth the wait. Bong Joon-ho’s return to cinema is big news, especially since he’s revisiting the science fiction genre that first garnered him international acclaim. While the visionary director has dabbled in other genres, it was his contributions to sci-fi that truly put him on the map, particularly within the global filmmaking community.
His cult-favorite The Host is still celebrated as one of the finest monster movies in recent memory, blending genuine scares with thrilling spectacle. He then captivated international audiences with Snowpiercer, his first English-language film, a remarkable adaptation of the graphic novel that masterfully intertwines heart-pounding action with profound social commentary. Okja, his next venture, further demonstrated his range, providing dark social critique within a touching story of a young girl and her beloved super pig.
All of these are modern classics, but none reached the monumental success of Parasite, Bong’s definitive masterpiece that skillfully bends genres—drama, comedy, horror—in a captivating, unforgettable way. Parasite earned Bong a place in cinema history, sweeping international awards and making history as the first foreign-language film to win Best Picture. As such, anticipation is through the roof for Mickey 17, which marks his return to new action movies to watch in 2025. This adaptation of Edward Ashton’s dystopian novel Mickey7 is set to follow a clone named Mickey as he faces the harshest challenges in the darkest reaches of outer space.
With a star-studded cast, intriguing plot, and Bong Joon-ho at the helm, Mickey 17 is already shaping up to be one of the most anticipated new action movies to watch. So if you’re eager for more updates on the release date, trailer, and the all-star lineup that will bring this story to life, here’s everything we know about Bong Joon-ho’s next big cinematic journey.
Mickey 17 Release Date 2025
Bong Joon-ho invites audiences to journey into the scientific world of Mickey 17 when it hits theaters on Friday, April 18, 2025. Marking an Easter Weekend release, Mickey 17 currently stands alone as the sole film scheduled for that date, stepping into the slot left open by the highly anticipated Michael biopic. This new timing feels perfectly suited for Bong Joon-ho’s unique vision, aligning with a release date that brings a more prominent spotlight and a prime position for spring cinema-goers.
Initially, Mickey 17 was slated for a March 29, 2024 release but was delayed due to extended post-production work. After being rescheduled for January 31, 2025—a date that left some fans puzzled due to January’s reputation as a movie “dumping ground”—the film has now landed on a more fitting date in mid-April.
This timing not only suggests confidence in Mickey 17 as a potential blockbuster but also hints at awards potential, reminiscent of other springtime releases like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Top Gun: Maverick, which later enjoyed success on the awards circuit. The timing could even mean a world premiere at the SXSW Film Festival in Austin, Texas, an event known for debuting major films each year, making it an ideal launching platform for Bong’s latest venture.
Will Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Mickey 17’ Have A Theatrical Release?
Mickey 17 is set for an exclusive theatrical release, so the only way to experience Bong Joon-ho’s latest sci-fi adventure will be to head to your local cinema. This choice makes perfect sense considering the phenomenal box office success of Parasite, which exceeded all expectations and solidified Bong’s reputation worldwide. Adding even more excitement, Mickey 17 will mark Bong Joon-ho’s first film to be released in IMAX, promising an immersive experience unlike anything we’ve seen from the acclaimed director before.
While no streaming release plans have been confirmed yet, there’s some interesting speculation about where Mickey 17 might land in the future. Though Bong partnered with Netflix for Okja, his earlier, exclusive release on the streaming giant, this time around it’s more likely that Mickey 17, a Warner Bros. production, will eventually make its way to Max. For now, however, this highly anticipated film is strictly a big-screen affair, perfect for fans who want the full cinematic experience.
What Is the Plot and Storyline of Bong Joon-ho’s Upcoming Film ‘Mickey 17’?
Mickey 17 marks Bong Joon-ho’s return to science fiction in a film that loosely adapts Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7. The choice to change the title from Mickey7 to Mickey 17 has sparked curiosity among fans, leading to speculation that Bong’s vision may go beyond a direct adaptation. Some wonder if the title shift hints at a continuation or evolution of Ashton’s story, potentially positioning the film as a spiritual sequel rather than a straightforward, page-by-page adaptation.
According to the official synopsis from Warner Bros., Mickey 17 follows Mickey Barnes (played by Robert Pattinson), an “expendable” clone tasked with the toughest, most dangerous jobs on a distant, unforgiving planet. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the Academy Award-winning filmmaker of Parasite, Mickey 17 promises to be another groundbreaking cinematic experience.
In this darkly humorous and existentially charged story, Mickey faces the daunting reality of being in a job where his ultimate commitment requires him to die—only to be replaced by the next clone in line. With Bong’s talent for blending genres and his keen eye for social commentary, Mickey 17 is set to deliver a unique narrative that explores themes of identity, sacrifice, and the very meaning of existence in a workplace that takes “giving it your all” to the extreme. This highly anticipated film is sure to push boundaries and redefine sci-fi storytelling for modern audiences.
What Actors Have Been Cast in The Lead Roles For Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Mickey 17’?
The cast of Mickey 17 brings together a stellar lineup of talent, each adding depth to Bong Joon-ho’s vision with their unique roles.
Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes
Naomi Ackie as Nasha Adjaya
Steven Yeun as Berto
Toni Collette as Gwen Johansen
Mark Ruffalo as Hieronymous Marshall
Robert Pattinson has been on a roll lately, with his high-profile role as the Caped Crusader in The Batman, but he’s making time to collaborate with visionary directors, stepping into the role of Mickey 17—the 17th clone in a line of expendable humans tasked with high-risk, grueling labor. Impressively, Pattinson will also portray each of Mickey’s previous 16 clones and his 18th, offering audiences a layered, multifaceted performance that highlights his versatility.
Joining Pattinson in this space-bound adventure is an exceptional ensemble cast. Academy Award nominees Steven Yeun (Minari) and Naomi Ackie (Blink Twice) bring depth to the roles of Mickey’s close friends, Berto and Nasha. Meanwhile, Academy Award nominee Mark Ruffalo (The Avengers) takes on the role of the antagonist, Hieronymous Marshall, a character with unmistakable echoes of a Trumpian figure, while the immensely talented Toni Collette (Hereditary), also an Academy Award nominee, plays his right-hand, Gwen Johansen. Together, this powerhouse cast promises to bring Bong Joon-ho’s ambitious vision for Mickey 17 to life with dynamic and unforgettable performances.
Will Mickey 17 Become a Horror Movie?
While Mickey 17 isn’t a straightforward horror movie, Bong Joon-ho’s genre-blending style suggests it will carry chilling, psychological undertones. The story’s focus on a clone repeatedly facing death in isolation could bring eerie, suspenseful moments that appeal to horror fans, making it a unique sci-fi film with a haunting edge.
Will Mickey 17 Get a Sequel, And What Is Its Rating?
Mickey 17 has been rated R by the MPA for “violent content, language throughout, sexual content, and drug material.” All of Bong Joon-ho’s previous films have also carried an R rating, consistent with his approach to mature themes and content.
While Mickey 17 has a larger budget, Warner Bros. has maintained the R rating rather than pursuing a more family-friendly PG-13 version. Additionally, the possibility of a sequel exists, as Edward Ashton, author of Mickey7, released a follow-up novel, Antimatter Blues, in 2023. Although Bong Joon-ho typically doesn’t direct sequels, the success of Mickey 17 could open the door for future adaptations.
What Production Company Or Studio Is Behind The Making Of ‘Mickey 17’?
Bong Joon-ho is back in the director’s chair for the first time since 2019, following the monumental success of Parasite, a film that swept the Academy Awards and cemented Bong’s place in cinematic history. With Mickey 17, fans are eagerly awaiting his next artistic venture, and Bong is taking full creative control as he not only directs but also writes and produces the film. This level of involvement signals a deeply personal project that reflects his singular vision and mastery.
The film brings together an impressive crew of industry heavyweights to help bring Bong’s sci-fi spectacle to life. Joining the team is Squid Game composer Jung Jae-il, whose unique musical style is expected to add depth to the film’s tone. Cinematographer Darius Khondji, known for his work on Bardo: False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths, brings his eye for detail and visual storytelling to craft a stunning, immersive atmosphere.
Editor Jinmo Yang, celebrated for his work on Life is Beautiful, will be at the helm of the film’s pacing and flow. Production designer Fiona Crombie, known for The Favourite, is tasked with creating Mickey 17’s distinctive look, while costume designer Catherine George, who worked with Bong on Snowpiercer, will lend her talents to the film’s wardrobe, adding character through costume.
The production powerhouse behind Mickey 17 includes Bong Joon-ho himself, alongside seasoned producers Dooho Choi, Dede Gardner, and Jeremy Kleiner, with Marianne Jenkins as the executive producer. Additionally, Dan Glass, celebrated for his visual effects work on The Matrix Reloaded, joins as VFX Supervisor, promising to deliver the high-caliber effects necessary to bring the story’s futuristic, dystopian setting to life. With a team like this, Mickey 17 is poised to be another masterclass in filmmaking, blending Bong’s visionary storytelling with the talents of some of the industry’s most respected artists.
Is There a Trailer Available For Viewers To Watch For The ‘Mickey 17’ Movie?
Warner Bros. dropped the first official trailer for Mickey 17 on September 17, 2024, setting the tone with Dean Martin’s classic “Ain’t That a Kick in the Head.” The choice of music hints at a surprisingly comedic vibe, one that may catch some fans off guard but feels perfectly in line with Bong Joon-ho’s unique storytelling style. From the looks of it, Mickey 17 leans closer in tone to the dark humor and whimsy of Okja rather than the suspenseful intensity of Parasite, showing once again Bong’s ability to blend genre elements in unexpected, captivating ways.
