Bong Joon Ho’s ‘Mickey 17’ is a science fiction dark comedy starring Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, an ‘Expendable’ on a colonization mission to the icy planet Niflheim. Mickey’s role involves undertaking perilous tasks with the understanding that his consciousness can be transferred to a new body upon death. This arrangement allows the colony to mitigate risks but raises profound questions about identity, mortality, and the value of individual life.
The film is an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel ‘Mickey7’. The narrative digs into Mickey’s existential journey as he confronts the implications of his disposability and the ethical complexities of human cloning.
‘Mickey7’ Book Explained: Plot, Themes & Twists
Edward Ashton’s ‘Mickey7’ introduces readers to Mickey Barnes, an ‘Expendable’ assigned to a mission aiming to colonize the ice-covered planet Niflheim. Mickey’s job is to undertake life-threatening tasks, with the understanding that upon his death, a new clone will be created, retaining most of his memories. This cycle of death and rebirth is central to the colony’s survival strategy but leads Mickey to grapple with his own identity and the ethics of his role. The narrative intensifies when Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead, only to return and find that a new iteration, Mickey8, has been created, leading to complex dilemmas about existence and individuality.
Why Bong Joon Ho Chose to Adapt ‘Mickey7’ Into a Movie?
Bong Joon Ho was drawn to Ashton’s novel due to its exploration of themes such as human expendability and the ethical dilemmas of cloning. His decision to adapt ‘Mickey7’ into ‘Mickey 17’ stems from his interest in blending science fiction elements with dark humor to examine societal issues. Bong’s adaptation maintains the core narrative while infusing it with his distinctive storytelling style, offering a satirical perspective on class disparity and capitalist exploitation.
In discussing the film’s themes, Bong Joon Ho remarked, “It’s terrifying to see how any worker is replaceable,” highlighting the movie’s critique of capitalist systems that devalue individual lives.
The Story Behind ‘Mickey7’: How & Why Edward Ashton Created His Sci-Fi Thriller?
Edward Ashton conceived the idea for ‘Mickey7’ by contemplating the concept of a ‘crappy immortality‘ within an exploitative social structure. He aimed to explore the philosophical implications of consciousness transfer and the human condition in a dystopian setting. Ashton has expressed a longstanding interest in the teletransportation paradox—the philosophical question of whether a person who is teleported remains the same individual—which served as a foundation for the novel’s premise.
Reflecting on his inspiration, Ashton noted, “I’ve always been interested in the teletransport paradox… Even as a kid watching Star Trek, I can remember thinking that these people had to be out of their minds to get into the transporter.“
Who is Edward Ashton?: Books, Writing Process & Insights Behind His Work
Edward Ashton is an American author known for his works in science fiction. His bibliography includes novels such as ‘Three Days in April’ and ‘The End of Ordinary’. Ashton’s writing often delves into speculative scenarios that challenge societal norms and human resilience.
In crafting ‘Mickey7’, Ashton sought to blend action-packed sequences with philosophical musings, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. He emphasized the importance of character realism, stating, “If the reader doesn’t believe that the characters are real people, why would they care what happens to them?“
Ashton also highlighted the challenge of balancing humor with serious themes, acknowledging that while humor is a vital tool, it must be deployed carefully to avoid undermining the narrative’s gravity.
‘Antimatter Blues’ Book Explained: The Sequel to ‘Mickey7’
The sequel, ‘Antimatter Blues’, continues Mickey’s story on Niflheim. In this installment, Mickey finds himself in a precarious position as he navigates the complexities of colony life, interspecies relations, and the looming threat of an antimatter bomb. The novel explores themes of survival, diplomacy, and the moral ambiguities inherent in human expansion.
Ashton describes the sequel as delving deeper into Mickey’s challenges, stating, “Ultimately, the fate of both species winds up in Mickey’s hands.“
Release Date and Cast of ‘Mickey 17’:
‘Mickey 17’ premiered at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, 2025, and is scheduled for theatrical release worldwide on March 7, 2025. The film features a notable cast, including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
Robert Pattinson takes on the dual role of Mickey17 and Mickey18, delivering a performance that captures the character’s complexity and existential dilemmas. The supporting cast adds depth to the narrative, with Naomi Ackie as Nasha, portraying Mickey’s love interest; Steven Yeun as Berto, a pilot and Mickey’s childhood friend; and Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall and Toni Collette as Gwen, who play key roles within the colony’s hierarchy.
