Bong Joon Ho’s latest sci-fi dark comedy, Mickey 17, has made its debut at the box office, opening to a modest 19.1million domestically and19.1million domestically and24.5 million internationally, bringing its global total to 53.3million. While the film claimed the top spot in a sluggish market, its performance fell short of expectations, particularly given its hefty 53.3 million. The film, starring Robert Pattinson as a regenerating “expendable” employee in a distant ice colony, has received mixed reviews, with a 78% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes and a B CinemaScore from audiences. Despite its solid start, Mickey 17 faces an uphill battle to turn a profit, especially in a challenging theatrical landscape for original sci-fi films.
The pressure on Mickey 17 is heightened by its status as Bong’s follow-up to the Academy Award-winning Parasite, which became a cultural phenomenon. Critics have given the film a solid but unspectacular 78% score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences rated it 73% on the Popcorn meter and awarded it a B CinemaScore. The film’s sci-fi premise, combined with its high production costs, makes it a risky venture in a challenging market. Warner Bros., which has faced recent struggles, is banking on the film’s international appeal to help recoup its investment.
Starring Robert Pattinson as a regenerating “expendable” employee in a futuristic ice colony, Mickey 17 also features Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey 7, the film explores themes of identity and mortality. Despite its ambitious concept, the film’s lukewarm reception and high budget have raised concerns about its long-term box office prospects.
The overall theatrical market remains sluggish, with combined ticket sales down 60% compared to the same weekend last year, when Dune: Part Two dominated. Year-to-date revenue is only 1% ahead of 2024, reflecting a series of underwhelming weekends. While Mickey 17’s global debut is respectable for an original film, its financial success remains uncertain. As the industry looks ahead to 2025, analysts hope for a rebound, with major releases on the horizon poised to reignite audience interest.
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