Director Bong Joon-ho described the movie 'Mickey 17' on the 20th as 'a humanistic science fiction film filled with the smell of humanity,' saying, 'It is also a story about a young man who is ordinary, powerless, and in many ways pitiful.' 'Mickey 17' is Bong's first Hollywood movie.
Director Bong introduced the footage screening of 'Mickey 17' held that day at the CGV Yongsan I-Park Mall in Seoul as 'a science fiction film that you will vividly experience in the future, which is realistic and resonates with us.' Lead actor Robert Pattinson also attended the press conference.
'Mickey 17,' Bong's first Hollywood film, is based on American author Edward Ashton's novel 'Mickey 7.' The film tells the story of a clone sent to an ice-covered space planet for colonization. Pattinson plays the role of Mickey, the protagonist who is disposed of and resurrected as a clone every time he dies during his mission. The story unfolds when the 17th Mickey unexpectedly encounters the 18th Mickey while still alive.
Bong noted, 'Just 10 years ago, you probably couldn't have imagined that we would be communicating with ChatGPT. We don't know what will happen to us in two or three years. Although 'Mickey 17' may seem somewhat science fiction, it contains experiences that we will certainly face.'
Bong mentioned that he also thinks about 'how to write scenarios that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot write' every day, adding, 'I want to become a writer who produces one script each year that AI can never write.'
The footage of 'Mickey 17' released that day showed scenes where people appear unfazed by Mickey's body parts falling off or being attacked by monstrous creatures, as well as scenes where Mickey's body is used for experiments. It also depicts the process in which Mickey, burdened with debt he cannot manage on Earth, volunteers as a clone known as 'Expendable.' Reviews highlight the captivating nature of Bong's signature black comedy that unfolds a tragic story with humor.
Bong stated, 'Since they are a labor class in extreme circumstances, class issues may seep into the work, but we are not raising a political banner declaring a grand struggle between classes.' He further explained, 'Like my previous science fiction works 'The Host,' 'Snowpiercer,' and 'Okja,' 'Mickey 17' also contains political satire.'
Pattinson described the script as 'a crazy scenario that I read very quickly and found entertaining,' adding, 'It becomes complicated when you examine why Mickey is the way he is. He is a character who lacks confidence and, in many ways, is foolish.' Pattinson said he was inspired by his untrainable pet dog in embodying the Mickey character, noting, 'Like my dog, who never changed no matter what punishment I gave, Mickey realizes, after dying 17 times, that he should have lived differently.'
This time, Bong collaborated with Pattinson for the first time. Bong explained that he has worked with various foreign actors such as Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Octavia Spencer in previous films like 'Okja' and 'Snowpiercer.' He noted that he had been aware of Pattinson since he showcased outstanding performances in American independent films like 'Good Time' (2018) and 'The Lighthouse' (2019).
He said, 'I have to embody both the foolish and pitiful Mickey 17 and the unpredictable and bizarrely charismatic Mickey 18, essentially playing two roles in one.' He reflected, 'I thought about who could handle both roles, and Pattinson came to mind from the beginning, making the casting process smooth.'
Pattinson emphasized, 'I think it's rare to find a science fiction film that shows light and humorous scenes on a grand scale, similar to the 'Star Wars' series.' He stated, 'Mickey 17 is a brave work by director Bong.'
Pattinson also noted, 'I feel there are only about four or five directors worldwide at the level of director Bong. Every actor wants to work with him.' He added, 'Actors want to work with someone who continually challenges their limits and presents new ideas. I have not had previous experiences working with a director of this caliber. He has a remarkable aura and knows what he wants with confidence.'
In Hollywood, it is common to shoot more scenes than initially planned, but Bong did not shoot the same scenes multiple times. As a result, the actors could concentrate on capturing each scene without wasting energy, according to Pattinson, who also mentioned that Bong would show the edited footage on-site immediately.
Pattinson remarked, 'I grew up watching many directors and excellent actors in Korea,' adding, 'I think the film industry itself is exceptional, and I would like to appear in more Korean works in the future.'