Mickey 17: The Sci-Fi Thriller That Explores a Man’s Multiple Deaths and Resurrections

Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated film Mickey 17 is set to bring a fresh, mind-bending experience to sci-fi enthusiasts. The trailer alone, which showcases Robert Pattinson’s character dying again and again, has created a buzz. But what’s the story behind this intriguing narrative? In this article, we’ll dive deep into Mickey 17, its origins as a novel by Edward Ashton, and what we can expect from this new film.

A Glimpse at the Plot: Who is Mickey?

The protagonist of Mickey 17 is a man named Mickey Barnes, a so-called “Expendable.” This is not your average job title. Mickey’s job involves going on dangerous expeditions, knowing full well that he might die. But here’s the twist each time Mickey dies, he is brought back as a clone with all of his memories intact. It’s a sci-fi premise that’s both thrilling and eerie.

Sent to colonize the icy world of Niflheim, Mickey signs up for this deadly gig in the hopes of leaving Earth behind for a better life. But after six deaths, things start to change. The novel, Mickey7, by Edward Ashton, which serves as the basis for the movie, explores the moral and psychological complexities of being “disposable.” Imagine knowing that every time you die, a version of you with the same memories will replace you. It’s not just about survival it’s about identity, ethics, and the fine line between man and machine.

The Story Behind Bong Joon-ho’s Adaptation

The jump from book to screen is never simple, and Mickey 17 is no exception. The movie, directed by the Oscar-winning Bong Joon-ho, takes the core of Ashton’s novel and spins it into a cinematic experience. But what changes did Joon-ho make to the story? First off, the title itself why Mickey 17 and not Mickey7 like the book? Joon-ho humorously revealed that it’s because, in the film, Mickey dies about 10 more times than he does in the novel. With 17 deaths in total, we’re in for an even more intense ride.

Bong Joon-ho is known for bringing depth and complexity to his films. Parasite, his critically acclaimed movie, won four Academy Awards, and his adaptation of the graphic novel Snowpiercer was also a massive hit. In Mickey 17, he returns to the sci-fi genre, but this time, the stakes are much higher emotionally and physically.

The Science Fiction Roots of Mickey 17

At its core, Mickey 17 is based on the 2022 novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The book itself has been well-received by sci-fi fans for its original premise and dark humour. Ashton weaves a tale of survival that makes readers question what it means to be human. Mickey Barnes, the protagonist, is tasked with one of the most dangerous jobs in the universe he’s expendable.

In this dystopian future, Mickey is one of the “disposable” people used for missions deemed too risky for ordinary humans. If he dies, no problem. A clone of him, complete with his memories, will take his place. But after six deaths, Mickey starts to realize there’s more to life than just being expendable. When he survives a dangerous mission on Niflheim, only to find that another version of himself Mickey8 has already been created, things get complicated.

What’s New in the Film?

While the novel Mickey7 focuses on Mickey’s seventh version, the film adaptation expands this idea. Bong Joon-ho’s version, Mickey 17, introduces more iterations of Mickey. Robert Pattinson plays the lead role of Mickey Barnes, and viewers will get to see him die a total of 17 times.

The film is set on the ice planet Niflheim, where humans are trying to colonize the hostile environment. The atmosphere is deadly, food is scarce, and tensions are high. When Mickey7 is presumed dead during a mission, Mickey8 is created as his replacement. But what happens when Mickey7 returns, alive and well, to find another version of himself already living his life?

The idea of multiple versions of the same person existing at the same time brings up all sorts of ethical dilemmas. Can two versions of the same person coexist? What happens if they don’t agree with each other? These are some of the questions that Mickey 17 will explore.

A Star-Studded Cast

Apart from Robert Pattinson taking on the lead role, Mickey 17 boasts an impressive cast. Naomi Ackie plays Nasha Adjaya, a character whose role in the movie is still largely under wraps. Steven Yeun, known for his work in The Walking Dead and Minari, plays Berto, while Toni Collette takes on the role of Gwen Johansen. Mark Ruffalo, another Hollywood heavyweight, portrays Hieronymous Marshall.

Bong Joon-ho has a knack for getting incredible performances out of his actors, so expectations are high for this film. Pattinson, in particular, is an intriguing choice for the role of Mickey. Known for his diverse roles, from The Lighthouse to The Batman, he’s proven he can handle complex characters, and Mickey Barnes will undoubtedly be one of his most challenging roles yet.

The Ethics of Being “Expendable”

At the heart of Mickey 17 lies a philosophical question what does it mean to be expendable? In a future where people like Mickey are created specifically for dangerous jobs, their lives hold little value. But for Mickey, each death becomes a personal struggle. He remembers each painful end, and the more he dies, the more he starts to question the system that views him as nothing more than a replaceable cog in the machine.

In the novel, Mickey’s realization that he is not truly disposable is a turning point. His fight to survive becomes a battle not just against the elements or the deadly missions, but against the very system that created him. The film is expected to delve deeply into these themes, making it not just a sci-fi thriller, but a thought-provoking look at the nature of humanity and identity.

What Fans Can Expect

For fans of Bong Joon-ho, Mickey 17 promises to deliver everything we’ve come to expect from the director sharp social commentary, complex characters, and jaw-dropping visuals. The film’s setting on the icy planet of Niflheim will offer plenty of opportunities for stunning cinematography, while the multiple deaths and resurrections of Mickey will add a layer of dark humour and existential dread.

Although the film’s release date was pushed back to January 31, 2025, anticipation is already high. Sci-fi fans and Bong Joon-ho enthusiasts alike are eager to see how the director brings Edward Ashton’s novel to life. The decision to increase the number of Mickey’s deaths from seven to 17 only adds to the excitement, promising a wild and unpredictable ride.

Why Mickey 17 Could Be the Next Sci-Fi Classic

Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 is shaping up to be a must-watch for any fan of science fiction. With its unique premise, stellar cast, and the director’s proven track record of creating thought-provoking films, there’s little doubt that this film will make waves when it hits theatres.

If you’re intrigued by the idea of a man who dies again and again, only to be replaced by a clone of himself, then Mickey 17 is the movie for you. Not only does it promise thrilling action and dark humour, but it will also make you question what it means to be human in a world where people can be easily replaced.

Get ready to mark your calendars Mickey 17 hits theatres on January 31, 2025. This is one sci-fi film you won’t want to miss.