Five years have passed since Bong Joon Ho's last feature, the Oscar-winning Parasite, marking the longest gap in his filmography thus far. This extended hiatus isn't unexpected, given the immense success and groundbreaking nature of Parasite, which opened numerous new avenues for his future projects. Bong has now chosen Mickey 17, his adaptation of Edward Ashton's sci-fi novel Mickey7, starring Robert Pattinson, venturing into major Hollywood territory with Warner Bros.
Initially scheduled for release in March this year, the film was delayed until 2025. Reports suggested that the delay was due to disagreements with the studio over the final cut of the film. This isn't the first time Bong has faced such challenges; he famously clashed with Harvey Weinstein over the cut of his first English-language film, Snowpiercer. However, as he reveals in Empire's exclusive Mickey 17 issue, he has secured final cut rights for his latest film.
"With Okja and now Mickey 17, I was given the final cut as part of my deal," Bong explains. "The studio respected my final cut rights." Despite some back-and-forth during the editing process, he emphasizes that the film is his vision. "This film is my cut, and I'm very happy about it. It was a long process, but it was always smooth and respectful."
Between Snowpiercer and Okja, it's evident that Bong's transition to English-language films doesn't diminish his unique, wild style. Robert Pattinson echoes this sentiment, stating, "It's really cool that a studio has done this film, and that Bong pushed to have the final cut on it — to make something that does feel incredibly unusual." Get ready for another distinctive, unfiltered Bong Joon Ho creation.
Read Empire's comprehensive Mickey 17 feature, where Bong Joon Ho, Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, and Naomi Ackie discuss their unconventional sci-fi journey, in the December 2024 issue, available on Thursday, October 24. Pre-order your copy online here. Mickey 17 hits UK cinemas on January 31.
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