In the dimly lit editing room, director Bong Joon-ho leaned back, reflecting on the monumental success of Parasite. The film had not only captivated audiences worldwide but also clinched the prestigious Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. Its modest budget of approximately $11 million had yielded a global box office return of over $263 million, a testament to its compelling narrative and masterful execution. The works of Bong Joon-ho include cinematic gems such as Memories of Murder, Snowpiercer, and Okja. Now, with his sights set on a new frontier, Bong embarked on an even more ambitious project: Mickey 17. Armed with a significantly higher budget and a visionary storyline, the question loomed—could this upcoming sci-fi venture surpass the brilliance of Parasite?
Parasite was a brilliant film that masterfully tackled class struggles, following the resourceful yet struggling Kim family, who live in a cramped basement apartment in South Korea. Through wit and deception, they cleverly infiltrate the lavish home of the wealthy Park family, securing jobs one by one. As they settle into their newfound roles, underlying tensions slowly surface, ultimately spiraling into a shocking and tragic climax that lays bare the harsh realities of social inequality. Now, Bong Joon-ho is taking things in a whole new direction with Mickey 17, a sci-fi adventure based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel, Mickey7. Fans won’t have to wait too long—the film is set to hit theaters in the U.S. on March 7, 2025.
The disparity in investment between Parasite and Mickey 17 is significant. While Parasite was produced on a budget of around $11 million, Mickey 17 had a much larger financial backing, reportedly between $80 million and $150 million. This notable boost reflects the film’s ambitious vision, combining high-caliber talent with complex production elements.
Mickey 17 ventures into the depths of space, chronicling the journey of Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson. Financially destitute and yearning for a fresh start, Mickey becomes an “expendable”—a disposable clone worker—on the human colony of Niflheim. Tasked with perilous assignments, Mickey faces death repeatedly, only to be regenerated each time. The plot thickens when Mickey 17 is presumed dead, leading to the coexistence of both his previous and current versions, compelling them to confront existential questions about identity and the ethics of cloning.
Adding to the film’s excitement is its incredible cast. Robert Pattinson takes the lead as Mickey Barnes, bringing depth to his complex role. Naomi Ackie joins him as Nasha Adjaya, Steven Yeun as Berto, Toni Collette as Gwen Johansen, and Mark Ruffalo as Hieronymous Marshall. With such a talented lineup, the movie promises powerful performances that could be just as captivating as those in Parasite.
With a bigger budget, Mickey 17 promises stunning visuals, immersive world-building, and cutting-edge effects.Cinematographer Darius Khondji, known for his work on films like Se7en and Amour, collaborates with Bong to craft a visually arresting experience that contrasts the grounded realism of Parasite.
Parasite received worldwide acclaim and won Best Picture at the 2020 Academy Awards, with Bong Joon-ho also winning Best Director for his work on the film. Even six years after the critical acclaim for Parasite, the film community is now excited as Mickey 17 approaches its release. Given Joon-ho’s incredible track record, especially with his groundbreaking film Parasite which broke numerous records in the past decade and swept the awards circuit, expectations are sky-high. The combination of a compelling narrative, a talented cast, and a significant budget positions Mickey 17 as a potential landmark in science fiction cinema.