You never quite know what to expect from a Bong Joon Ho film. 'Parasite' captivated the world and the Oscars with its genre-blending narrative. 'Memories Of Murder' was a serious serial-killer thriller, yet featured more than the usual number of detectives who dropkick. Amid the action-packed monster movie 'The Host' is a slapstick comedy scene set at a funeral. Beneath it all, Director Bong often explores stories of people struggling under the oppressive weight of capitalism, amplifying the absurdity of our daily lives. This continues in 'Mickey 17,' starring Robert Pattinson – multiple times over – as Mickey, who agrees to be an 'expendable' on an intergalactic colonization mission where he'll be 'reprinted' each time he dies.
Director Bong tells Empire in our world-exclusive 'Mickey 17' issue that this is 'the most human story' he's ever made. And, as with his previous work, it doesn't necessarily paint humanity in the most flattering light. 'Ultimately, the story is about how pathetic humans can be,' Bong explains. 'It's almost like you can smell every human character in the film — their piss stains and their smelly socks.' Pattinson's Mickeys are tasked with preparing the icy world of Niflheim – infested with creatures known as 'creepers' – for human habitation. However, a mishap leads to Mickey 18 being printed prematurely, before Mickey 17's demise – and both co-existing simultaneously spells potential disaster for their future. Especially when Mark Ruffalo's virulently anti-expendable politician Marshall is involved.
For Bong, who always enjoys subverting genre conventions, it's a strikingly downbeat take on how humans might attempt to live forever. 'In most sci-fi films and fantasy stories, eternal life is treated as something sublime, spiritual, profound,' he says. 'I was really captivated by the idea that human printing is not respectful at all. You're literally reproducing humans like an inkjet printer.' With Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 running amok, that printer is about to jam. Somebody call tech support.
Read Empire's full 'Mickey 17' feature – speaking to Bong Joon Ho, Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, and Naomi Ackie about their quirky sci-fi adventure – in the December 2024 issue, on sale Thursday 24 October. Pre-order a copy online here. 'Mickey 17' comes to UK cinemas from 31 January.
