It appears that Robert Pattinson’s much-awaited project, Mickey 17, has gotten the short end of the stick due to Warner Bros.’ massive gamble on Leonardo DiCaprio’s next flick. The Titanic star, 49, will be helmed by Paul Thomas Anderson in an untitled movie that is scheduled to start shooting in California this year. Even so, we can’t help but wonder if sidelining Pattinson’s flick was a wise choice in this regard.
Pattinson, best known for his role as Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga, has been carving out a niche for himself as a talented and versatile actor over the last few years. His performances in films such as The Lighthouse and Good Time received critical acclaim, so it is no surprise that fans are looking forward to this upcoming sci-fi film.
It seems, though, that Warner Bros. has other ideas. Mickey 17, which was originally slated to open on March 29, 2024, has been rescheduled by the studio to open on January 31, 2025.
WB’s Massive Gamble With Leonardo DiCaprio’s Next Flick
Executives Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy of Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group have struck a number of high-profile deals since taking over the studio in July 2022. Paul Thomas Anderson’s untitled film, which is set to start production in California this year, is one of them. Starring in the movie are big names like Regina Hall, Sean Penn, and Leonardo DiCaprio. The casting was first revealed by Deadline.
A source with knowledge of the production claims that the new Anderson project will be an ensemble piece with a contemporary setting. The film is cloaked in mystery; in fact, Warner Bros. tried to hide even the fact that it was being made for months. However, the cost of the film has drawn criticism; insiders claim (via Variety) that the budget is close to $100 million, a significant amount for an Anderson flick.
With films like Phantom Thread and Boogie Nights in his resume, Anderson is among the best directors working today and a frequent nominee for the Oscar. But he is not a force to be reckoned with. For instance, the $40 million budget for his Licorice Pizza was not met, and the film’s box office receipts came to a mere $33.3 million.
As DiCaprio most recently starred in Killers of the Flower Moon, the expectation seems to be that he will contribute to increasing the film’s mainstream appeal. He is still among the most lucrative leading men, having acted in successful films such as The Revenant and The Wolf of Wall Street. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether the studio’s risk with this project will pay off.
Mickey 17 Starring Robert Pattinson Is Moved To 2025
Yes, the release date for Robert Pattinson’s Mickey 17 has now been set for early 2025. Not too many months after it was abruptly rescheduled from its original March 2024 date, it is now confirmed to arrive on January 31, 2025. Variety claims that the decision was reportedly made to allow the movie to be released in an IMAX theater and give it more time to be finished after the strike and production setbacks.
The much-awaited flick, which is based on Edward Ashton’s 2022 sci-fi novel Mickey 7, has the Batman star collaborating with Bong Joon-ho, the director of Parasite and Snowpiercer. Although the film’s plot is being kept very secret, the story arc of the book is probably going to serve as inspiration.
Star Wars’ Naomi Ackie, Beef’s Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Marvel star Mark Ruffalo are among the star-studded cast members who will be joining Pattinson for the blockbuster. Ackie described it as an “amazing story” in a 2023 interview with GamesRadar+.
“I’m terrified to speak on it. The cast on it are incredible, director Bong is one of the most genius and kind men I’ve ever had the privilege to work with. The story is heartwarming and wild and funny. We had a lot of fun, there was a lot of laughter on that set.”
However, Mickey 17 could face some hiccups as a result of the revised release date. Dune: Part Two, which will be released on March 1, 2024, could become a major box office challenge for the Bong Joon-ho and Robert Pattinson flick.
Eventually, only time will tell if Warner Bros.’ gamble comes to fruition. But in the meantime, fans of the Twilight star are able to relax with the knowledge that he will continue to excel regardless of the obstacles in his path. And who knows—maybe Mickey 17 will get its moment in the sun after all.
Mark your calendars for Mickey 17, which will be released on January 31, 2025.
