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**Bong Joon Ho’s “Mickey 17” Lands on Max After Disappointing Theatrical Run**
LOS ANGELES, CA – Viewers will soon be able to explore the frigid landscapes of Niflheim from their sofas, as Bong Joon Ho’s highly anticipated sci-fi satire, “Mickey 17,” begins streaming on Max on May 23rd. The film, based on Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey 7,” stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, an “expendable” employee who is repeatedly re-printed after dying on dangerous missions. The plot thickens when two Mickeys unexpectedly awaken on the same day, forcing him to hide his double identity while grappling with questions of humanity.
“Mickey 17” marks Bong Joon Ho’s first directorial effort since his groundbreaking, Oscar-winning film “Parasite.” The film boasts a stellar cast including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette.
However, the film’s arrival on Max follows a disappointing theatrical run. “Mickey 17,” released in U.S. theaters on March 7th, opened with only $19 million, a weak showing against its $118 million budget. Analysts project a significant loss for Warner Bros., estimating the film will fall short of profitability by $75 to $80 million.
Critical reception has been mixed. Variety’s Peter Debruge criticized the film’s “recycled” themes, questioning the originality and value of Bong’s “darkly comedic parable.”
Despite the lackluster theatrical performance, the arrival of “Mickey 17” on Max offers a new opportunity for audiences to engage with Bong Joon Ho’s unique vision. Bong, known for his critically acclaimed films such as “Memories of Murder,” “Snowpiercer,” “Okja,” and “Mother,” is currently being celebrated with an exhibit dedicated to his filmography at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles.
First Piper 