10th December 2024
Film Critic: Mickey 17
Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated Mickey 17 promises a thought-provoking and darkly comedic entry into science fiction, based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7. Featuring Robert Pattinson in the titular role, the film explores existential and moral dilemmas through the lens of cloning and expendability.
The story follows Mickey, an “Expendable,” whose job involves taking on deadly missions for a colonisation project. If Mickey dies, his body is incinerated, and a cloned version is "printed." The narrative takes a sharp turn when Mickey 17, the protagonist, discovers Mickey 18—another clone—resulting in a humorous and chaotic dynamic. The exploration of themes like identity, mortality, and ethics is combined with Bong Joon-ho’s signature genre-blending style.
Previews and trailers have painted the film as both intellectually engaging and visually stunning. The project marks Bong’s return to cinema after the global success of Parasite, and fans are eager to see his unique vision applied to this thought-provoking source material.
The movie was filmed across various locations in the UK. Key production sites included Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden, a major hub for large-scale cinematic productions. The movie also takes advantage of natural beauty, with filming reportedly taking place in lush forests and rural areas. These locations likely contrast with the stark, futuristic urban environments, visually reinforcing the divide between nature and human innovation.
Amazing Space Locations had the privilege of working on the film at one of our iconic London landmark locations, COM-7494. Bong Joon-ho's choice of filming locations goes beyond aesthetics. Each place reflects the story’s deeper themes of survival, identity, and morality. Whether it's the imposing architecture of City Hall or the desolate charm of an industrial site, these settings enhance the narrative’s emotional and intellectual depth.
As Mickey 17 nears its release, these filming locations offer fans a glimpse into the world-building magic that awaits. Keep an eye out for how these spaces are woven into the fabric of the story, elevating it to another cinematic masterpiece by Bong Joon-ho.
With a visually stunning backdrop and Pattinson portraying multiple versions of Mickey with distinct personalities, the film seems to balance satire with high-concept sci-fi themes. Bong Joon-ho’s first project since Parasite sets high expectations, promising both entertainment and intellectual engagement. Mickey 17 is scheduled to release in April, 2025, making it one of the most awaited sci-fi films of the coming year.