Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated science fiction thriller, Mickey 17, is now facing an indefinite delay in its release. The Robert Pattinson starring film was initially scheduled to hit theaters on March 29. However, sources have reported that unexpected production delays caused by strikes have led to this setback. WB has officially announced that the new Godzilla vs. Kong film will be moved up to the original slot intended for Mickey 17.
The movie generated considerable buzz in the industry, with A-listers reportedly vying for the opportunity to work with the Oscar-winning director. Pattinson, who managed to impress Bong, secured the lead role alongside other talents, including Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo, and Steven Yeun.
Robert Pattinson’s Mickey 17 Faces A Delay In Release
Warner Bros. has officially announced a delay in the release of Bong Joon-ho‘s upcoming film, Mickey 17. Based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel, Mickey7, the film received the green light after Bong read the unpublished draft of the novel. According to Variety, various sources close to the film have reported that the 2023 strikes and several production shifts made it difficult for Bong to complete the film.
Robert Pattinson stars as a disposable human being in this high-concept thriller, who can be easily replaced by his clones with his memory intact. A first-look teaser unveiled Pattinson’s character in a chamber. According to the novel, the storyline explores the ‘expendable’ played by Pattinson, embarking on a human expedition to colonize Neflheim, the ice realm.
During his expedition, Mickey7 is presumed dead, leading to the generation of a new clone, Mickey8. When Mickey7 returns, he keeps his double a secret, as duplicate Expendables will be destroyed according to the law. Mickey7 also faces problems when the living conditions on Niflheim worsen. The film would be produced by Bong’s production company Offscreen, alongside Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and Kate Street Picture Company.
WB has also announced a replacement for Mickey 17, moving up the release date of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire. The fifth film in the Monsterverse was earlier set to hit theaters on April 12, but will now release on March 29. The official synopsis from producers WB and Legendary Pictures suggests an alliance between the two kaijus to fight a “colossal undiscovered threat hidden within our world.” (via Variety).
Robert Pattinson Expresses High Hopes For Mickey 17
During an interview with Evening Standard in January 2023, Robert Pattinson shared that Mickey 17 was unlike anything he had ever worked on before. He further commented on working with Bong Joon-ho, sharing that it was a completely different style of working. Talking about his role in the film, The Batman actor shared that the film is “so much talking”. Pattinson shared with the Evening Standard:
“It’s with Parasite director Bong Joon-ho and it’s like nothing I’ve ever done before. The movie is so crazy, it’s a completely different style of working. It’s so much talking.”
Following in the footsteps of Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite, Mickey 17 also aims to bag several awards during the award season that follows. The Twilight actor has successfully moved past his phase of critically panned roles and has garnered praise for his recent projects. Fans will root for the actor as he hopes to earn his first Academy Award for the film. Bong will also look to set an Oscar milestone as the first Korean director to win Best Director twice.
Also Read: Why Was Robert Pattinson The Lowest Paid Batman Actor Despite $765 Million Worth Box Office Success?
The previous Monsterverse film, Godzilla vs. Kong, is now available for streaming on Max.
