Why is Mickey 17 having a delayed premiere? Reasons explored

Modified Jan 12, 2025 13:53 GMT

A still from the trailer of Mickey 17 (Image via Warner Bros.)

Mickey 17 is an upcoming science fiction black comedy directed, written, and produced by Bong Joon-ho. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7 (2022), the story follows Mickey Barnes, an expendable human clone sent to colonize the icy world of Niflheim.

The film features an ensemble cast that includes Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, and Mark Ruffalo, with an estimated production budget of $150 million.

Bong Joon-ho, who is known for telling detailed stories, is back making movies after making the Oscar-winning masterpiece Parasite (2019). The movie is one of the most anticipated of 2025 because it looks like it will have a mix of sci-fi, drama, and dark humor.

The Mickey 17 premiere has been repeatedly delayed. Speculatively Due to production issues and the SAG-AFTRA strike, it was moved to January 31, 2025, from March 29, 2024. After rescheduling for April 18, 2025, it was finalized for March 7, 2025. The director got final cut rights from Warner Bros. after the delays.

The movie is now scheduled for a global theatrical release on February 28, 2025, followed by a worldwide release on March 7, 2025. It's getting even more attention, and rumors of a Berlinale debut in February 2025 excite people. This sets it up for critical and commercial success.

Reasons behind the delay of Mickey 17 premiere

Several factors have contributed to the delays in Mickey 17’s release. The initial postponement from March 2024 to January 2025 was largely due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, which disrupted the production schedule.

The strike, combined with delays in post-production, forced Warner Bros. to shuffle its release calendar, with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire taking its original slot.

Director Bong Joon-ho’s demand for creative freedom also played a significant role. In an interview with Empire Online, Bong explained that he wanted final cut rights to ensure his artistic vision was fully realized. He expressed gratitude to Warner Bros. for granting him the time and resources needed for editing. He stated,

"With Okja and now Mickey 17, I was given the final cut as part of my deal. The studio respected my final cut rights. Of course, during the editing process there are many opinions and many discussions that happen. But this film is my cut, and I’m very happy about it. It was a long process, but it was always smooth and respectful.”

The studio later announced a further delay to April 18, 2025, citing the desire to maximize IMAX audiences and capitalize on the Easter holiday box office. However, this decision faced criticism, as some analysts questioned the move away from prime awards season timing.

Warner Bros. then rescheduled the release to March 7, 2025, aligning with U.S. spring break, a period successful for past blockbusters like The Batman (2022).

Another potential reason for the delay is speculation about a surprise debut at the Berlin International Film Festival in February 2025. Such a move could strategically boost the movie’s global visibility ahead of its commercial release.

All about Mickey 17

Based on Edward Ashton’s novel, Mickey 17 tells the story of Mickey Barnes, an expendable clone on a colonization mission. Each time Mickey dies, a new clone is regenerated with his memories intact.

The plot intensifies when Mickey 17 survives a mission and discovers that a new clone, Mickey 18, has already been created. This leads to a conflict of survival between the two versions. Combining genres including sci-fi, adventure, and black comedy, the movie is Bong Joon-ho's first feature since Parasite.

Warner Bros. Studios in Leavesden oversaw four months of production, from August to December 2022. Working with screenwriter Charles Yu, Bong helped to translate the intricate source material into a screenplay with the core of the book while adding his unique narrative flair.

Also Read: 7 best Robert Pattinson movies to watch while waiting for Mickey 17