Mickey 17

Mickey 17″ is a 2025 science fiction comedy film directed by Bong Joon Ho, based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7. Starring Robert Pattinson, it follows Mickey Barnes, a financially desperate man who becomes an “Expendable” on a space colony, dying and cloning himself repeatedly to perform dangerous tasks. Released on March 7, 2025, in the U.S., the movie blends dark humor with a critique of toxic work culture, earning positive reviews despite a modest $92 million box office haul against a $118 million budget.

What Is “Mickey 17” About?

Set in 2054 on the icy planet Niflheim, Mickey 17 explores themes of survival, identity, and exploitation. Mickey Barnes (Pattinson) signs up for a perilous job after a failed business leaves him broke. As an Expendable, he’s cloned each time he dies—reaching his 17th iteration by the film’s start. Alongside Naomi Ackie as Nasha and Mark Ruffalo as Marshall, the plot escalates when sentient “creepers” challenge the colony’s plans, forcing Mickey to confront his expendability. Bong Joon Ho’s signature satire shines, making it a standout sci-fi experience.

Key Details of “Mickey 17”

Plot Breakdown

Mickey 17’s journey begins with a mission to capture a creeper, only to fall into an ice fissure. Rescued by the creatures, he returns to find Mickey 18—a more aggressive clone—already printed. The colony’s leader, Marshall, forbids “Multiples,” sparking a secret pact between the Mickeys to rotate duties. Tensions rise as they face off against Marshall’s genocidal agenda and a bizarre creeper-tail contest, all while wearing bomb vests. The film’s climax sees Mickey 17 negotiating peace with the creepers, exposing the absurdity of his role.

Cast and Crew

• Director: Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), known for sharp social commentary.
• Cast: Robert Pattinson (dual roles as Mickey 17 and 18), Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
• Source Material: Adapted from Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, with the film expanding to the 17th clone for added depth.

Release and Reception

Premiering at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2025, Mickey 17 hit South Korean theaters on February 28 and U.S. screens on March 7. Critics praised its wit and Pattinson’s improvisation, though its box office ($92M) fell short of expectations, labeling it a “bomb” against its $118M budget.

Why “Mickey 17” Matters: Themes and Insights

Mickey 17 isn’t just sci-fi—it’s a biting metaphor for modern work culture. Posts on X highlight its satire on “toxic jobs and long hours,” reflecting how people “cease to exist” in soul-crushing roles, only to restart daily. The cloning gimmick amplifies this, questioning identity and disposability in a tech-driven world. Bong critiques capitalism’s extremes, blending humor (Pattinson channeling Jim Carrey) with existential dread, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking.

How Does “Mickey 17” Compare to Other Sci-Fi Films?

Unlike traditional sci-fi epics like Dune, Mickey 17 leans into absurdity over grandeur. It shares DNA with The Martian’s survival focus but swaps optimism for cynicism. Compared to Bong’s Parasite, it trades class warfare for workplace commentary, yet retains his knack for dark comedy. Its unique cloning twist and creeper subplot set it apart, offering a fresh take on colonization narratives.