"He’s a filmmaker every actor dreams of working with" — Robert Pattinson lauds Parasite director Bong Joon-ho during the 'Mickey 17' press

Renowned actor Robert Pattinson recently shared insights into the distinctive directorial approach of Oscar-winning South Korean filmmaker Bong Joon-ho. In an interview on January 20, 2025, at CGV Yongsan I'Park Mall in Seoul, Pattinson, who collaborated with Bong Ho-joon in Mickey 17, described the experience as uniquely challenging yet liberating.

Pattinson remarked that Bong Joon-ho is one of the few filmmakers with whom every actor wants to work.

"Director Bong is one of only 4 or 5 directors in the world at this level. He’s a filmmaker every actor dreams of working with," Pattinson said as per translation provided by Allkpop.

"When you watch Director Bong’s films, the worlds he creates are truly special. He touches on deeply personal and emotional aspects. It’s hard to put into words, but these feelings are conveyed through performance. I watched 'Memories of Murder' years ago, and I was amazed at how it navigated between absurdities and serious situations so freely."

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Bong Ho-joon and Robert Pattinson's Mickey 17: Everything we know so far

Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon-ho is set to return to the big screen with Mickey 17, a science fiction black comedy starring Robert Pattinson. The film is slated for a theatrical release in the United States on March 7, 2025.

Mickey 17 is an adaptation of Edward Ashton's 2022 novel Mickey7. The narrative centers on Mickey Barnes, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, an "expendable" crew member on a mission to colonize the ice planet Niflheim.

In this role, Mickey undertakes perilous tasks. Upon his death, a new clone is regenerated, and most of his memories are intact. The plot intensifies when Mickey 17 survives a mission and encounters his successor, Mickey 18, leading to existential dilemmas and ethical conflicts.

The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast alongside Robert Pattinson, including:

• Naomi Ackie as Nasha Adjaya
• Steven Yeun as Berto
• Toni Collette as Gwen Johansen
• Mark Ruffalo as Hieronymous Marshall
• Holliday Grainger as Gemma
• Anamaria Vartolomei as Kai Katz
• Angus Imrie as Shrimp Eyes
• Steve Park as Agent Zeke

Bong Joon-ho has not only directed but also served as the screenwriter and producer for Mickey 17.

Filming commenced in August 2022 at Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden in the United Kingdom and concluded in December 2022. The production was delayed due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, which impacted post-production schedules. The film's debut, which was initially set for March 29, 2024, was postponed to March 7, 2025, to accommodate these challenges.

Mickey 17 is scheduled to premiere at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025, before its theatrical release in South Korea on February 28, 2025, and in the United States on March 7, 2025.

The film's trailer, released in September 2024, garnered significant attention, showcasing Robert Pattinson's character undergoing repeated cloning after fatal missions on an alien planet. This glimpse into the film heightened anticipation among audiences and critics alike.

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Bong Joon-ho garnered international acclaim for his ability to blend dark humor with social commentary. His 2019 film, Parasite, became a cultural phenomenon, earning four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best International Feature Film at the 92nd Academy Awards.

Parasite was the first non-English-language film to win Best Picture, marking a historic moment in the film industry.