When the name Bong Joon Ho comes up, cinephiles instantly recall his groundbreaking work like Parasite or Memories of Murder. With his upcoming sci-fi epic, Mickey 17, expectations were already sky-high, especially with a star-studded cast featuring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. But just when audiences thought they had a grasp on what this film would be, the newly released South Korean trailer throws everyone a curveball.
This new trailer diverges from the U.S. version, showing off not only additional footage but also shifting the tone to something even more comical and quirky. It begs the question: is Warner Bros. marketing two different versions of Mickey 17 for global audiences, or is the film itself meant to oscillate between genres? The American trailer felt irreverent and leaned into dark, dry humor, while this Korean cut amps up the playfulness even more. The tonal shift might indicate a blend of sci-fi drama and absurdity that could confuse, or delight, international viewers.
The journey of Mickey 17 hasn't been smooth sailing. Initially slated for release in March 2024, the film's launch was pushed to January 2025, reportedly due to VFX delays. In an industry where January is often known as the “dumping ground” for underwhelming projects, one has to wonder why a film with Bong Joon Ho's Oscar-winning pedigree is landing there. Is the studio unsure of its reception, or is it a strategic decision?
Mickey 17 Poster
Behind the scenes, Mickey 17 has top-tier talent. Produced by the Oscar-winning duo Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner (Moonlight, 12 Years a Slave), alongside Bong Joon Ho and Dooho Choi, it's based on Edward Ashton's novel Mickey 7. Cinematographer Darius Khondji, known for Okja and an Oscar nominee for Bardo, adds to the impressive lineup.
With a worldwide release set for January 31, 2025 (January 28 internationally), Mickey 17 promises to be anything but ordinary. But will its mix of existential sci-fi and quirky humor resonate with audiences?
Mickey 17 Trailer
What do you think? Is Mickey 17 shaping up to be a sci-fi classic, or could its tonal shifts alienate fans? Let us know your thoughts!
