After a series of delays, the release of Mickey 17 is just on the horizon. As its debut rolls closer, writer/director Bong Joon Ho has started to share some of his inspiration for adapting the story to the screen. 

Mickey 17 follows a highly skilled worker who is sent on risky missions thanks to his special nature. Each time he dies, he gets reborn again, able to pick right back up where he started off, making him the prime candidate to send in to an inhospitable planet in an attempt to make it livable. 

Robert Pattinson stars as the titular Mickey, joined by Steven Yuen, Michael Monroe, Patsy Ferran, Cameron Britton, and Mark Ruffalo. 

Adapted from the original book of the same name by Edward Ashton, Bong Joon Ho serves as director, writer, and producer on the film, very similar to how he crafted his award-winning film Parasite. 

Bong recently commented on his approach to certain aspects of bringing the book to life, specifically that of the main antagonist, played by Ruffalo. 

While speaking about Mickey 17 at the Berlin International Film Festival, Bong debunked the circulating speculation that the film’s villain was based on current political leaders, especially those from Korea. Instead he stated he used leaders of the past to help sculpt Ruffalo’s character, but gave credence to the idea that it could be taken as modern inspiration, citing the saying that history repeats itself. 

Hollywood Reporter also noted that Bong is using Mickey 17 as an opportunity to expand his horizons when it comes to the genres he depicts. He was very clear in stating that he wants to try to dabble in each genre at least once across his filmography, and reportedly, Mickey 17 will be the first infusion of romance in his career. 

Mickey 17 hits theaters March 7th.