Director Bong Joon-ho, known for his Oscar-winning film Parasite, has unveiled the first trailer for his highly anticipated sci-fi feature, Mickey 17. For those wondering whether Bong’s latest project will be just as strange and inventive as his previous work—rest assured, it certainly is. 

The film, which stars Robert Pattinson, promises to deliver the dark, thought-provoking storytelling the director is celebrated for. 

In Mickey 17, Pattinson portrays the titular character, a “disposable” worker in a futuristic society who is created through human-printing technology. Mickey is assigned perilous tasks that often lead to his death. 

However, advanced technology allows him to be copied and revived, retaining his memories each time. Based on the novel “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton, the story explores the existential implications of such a system, as Mickey is revived multiple times to serve his dangerous purpose.

Alongside Pattinson, the cast boasts an impressive lineup, including Steven Yeun (Minari), Naomi Ackie (I Wanna Dance with Somebody), Toni Collette (Hereditary), and Mark Ruffalo (Avengers series). 

Bong Joon-ho has adapted Ashton’s novel, raising the stakes even higher than in the original work. 

“The number is the number of times he dies. I killed him ten times more,” Bong said during a presentation at CinemaCon in April 2024, where the trailer was first shown. 

He described the film as “a sci-fi movie, but it’s a human story.”

The trailer gives a glimpse into the harsh reality Mickey faces, including scenes of him falling through ice and being devoured by monstrous creatures, showcasing Bong’s signature style of blending the surreal with the human condition.

Pattinson, who has embraced unconventional roles in recent years, expressed his excitement for Mickey 17. 

“It’s one of the funniest, bizarre sci-fi scripts I’ve ever read in my life,” he said. 

The actor will be playing two versions of the same character, Mickey 17 and Mickey 18, each with shared memories but distinct personalities. 

“Mickey 17 might be more willing to help, but Mickey 18… he’s the evil brother,” Pattinson said.

Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 is set to premiere on January 31, 2025.