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They say“you only live once”, but tell that to Robert Pattinson in Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated film,Mickey 17! Dropping into theaters in 2025, this cinematic marvel has theTwilightstar dying more times than a cat with nine lives. As he portrays multiple versions of Mickey Barnes, a handy yet disposable worker tasked with the mission to colonize Niflheim, we can’t help but contemplate—what does it really feel like to die?
With a star-studded cast including Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, this spellbinding journey of survival, sacrifice, and labor surely isn’t your average popcorn flick. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s thought-provoking novelMickey7, seamlessly melds existential philosophy with Joon-ho’s signature dark humor.
Mickey 17: A Cosmic Adventure of Life, Death, and Cloning
Warner Bros. Pictures has recently lifted the curtain onMickey 17, a film based on Edward Ashton’s novelMickey7, which hit the shelves last year. The adaptation was greenlit even before the ink dried on the book (seeThe Hollywood Reporter), showcasing Hollywood’s hunger for fresh ideas.
In a world where technological optimism once reigned supreme, the narrative dives into the darker implications of a future where life can be reset at the press of a button. RememberBlack Mirror? Well,Bong Joon-ho’s forthcoming film isn’t your average rosy tech fantasy; it’s a philosophical rollercoaster (check thetrailer)!
In thenovel, the protagonist Mickey Barnes is part of a colonization mission on a harsh planet. He is designated as an ‘Expendable, which means he takes on the most dangerous tasks that often lead to his death. The twist is that whenever Mickey dies, his consciousness is uploaded into a new clone that retains most of his memories and experiences, allowing him to continue working as if nothing happened.
Ergo, at the heart ofMickey 17lies the tantalizing concept of uploaded consciousness. Robert Pattinson stars as Mickey, the expendable worker who embarks on dangerous missions in an effort to colonize new worlds. Similarly, when he meets his demise, he’s swiftly replaced by a clone who retains most of his memories.
“A man who gets cloned over and over after he dies..”: Bong Joon-ho Felt Robert Pattinson Was Perfect For Mickey 17 Because of His Eyes
But here’s where it gets spicy: in the novel, after six brushes with death, Mickey7 finally gets a handle on the fine print of his deal—and it’s not pretty. Turns out, he’s the last man standing for a reason, and it’s not exactly a hot job in the colonial lineup.
During what should have been a walk in the park—or a stroll across an icy wasteland—Mickey7 goes MIA and is presumed dead. But, lo and behold, he makes a dramatic return to the colony base. Nevertheless, his timing couldn’t be worse: a new clone, Mickey8, has already punched the clock for Expendable duties.
Mickey’s Many Lives: What’s in a Name?
The book is cleverly titledMickey7 because it chronicles the seventh iteration of our daring expendable, Mickey. However, Bong Joon-ho has taken a detour with the nameMickey17.Why is that? Well, this title change highlights the fact that the movie’s main character meets his end far more frequently than in the book. At CinemaCon (viaIndieWire), the director, 55, humorously stated,“I killed him 10 times more,” to drive the point home.
Meanwhile, in an interview withSUNY Brockport, Edward Ashton, the author, spilled the beans on a fascinating philosophical conundrum, teletransportation paradox:
If you’re able to copy your mind, your personality — everything about you, even your love of strawberry ice cream and your hatred of electronic dance music — into another body, would that new person be you or just some guy touching all of your stuff?
Although the specific plot details for this brain-bending adventure remain under wraps, there’s no fog of uncertainty when it comes to the star-studded cast. WhileRobert Pattinsonmay have cut his teeth on theTwilightsaga and donned the cape inThe Batman,he’s proven time and again that he’s not just a pretty face in a fancy suit.
EnterMickey 17,a film poised to be another feather in his cap.
Bong Joon-ho’s Most Expensive Project Has Left Fans Concerned for Robert Pattinson Starrer Mickey 17 That Was Delayed Indefinitely
From the looks of it, Pattinson will be juggling multiple characters. When chatting withES Magazine, he kept his cards close to his chest, but hinted that he had his hands full with plenty of dialogue.
It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. The movie is so crazy, it’s a completely different style of working.
Mark Ruffalo, Naomie Ackie, and Toni Collette will also be joining this all-star lineup. And Joon-ho is the crème de la crème, especially after his blockbuster triumph withParasite.
With such a gorgeous resume, it’s no wonder that bringing the intriguing tale ofMickey 17to life is in such capable hands and is poised to be Joon-ho’s next Oscar contender!
Mickey 17will be released on August 22, 2025.
Siddhika Prajapati
Senior Journalist & Content Head
Articles Published :3310
With over 3,300 articles carved into the digital walls of FandomWire, Siddhika Prajapati excels at creating, curating, and elevating engaging stories. She takes pride in giving these stories a home and, of course, she’s got a Google Knowledge Panel to prove it!Whether it’s reviewing the latest drop on Netflix, Amazon Prime, or Apple TV+, or analyzing the cultural echoes of a streaming hit on Paramount+ or Max, Siddhika is always writing three steps ahead of the discourse.
