Bong Joon Ho's sci-fi satire Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, begins streaming on Max May 23. Discover the story behind the film's icy world and double identity twist.
Viewers will soon have the chance to dive into Bong Joon Ho’s latest sci-fi vision from the comfort of their homes. “Mickey 17,” starring Robert Pattinson, will begin streaming on Max (formerly HBO Max) starting May 23, allowing fans of cerebral science fiction to revisit or discover the mind-bending journey to the icy planet Niflheim.
Based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, the film marks Bong Joon Ho’s first feature since his Oscar-winning triumph, Parasite. Blending sharp satire with visual spectacle, Mickey 17 introduces a futuristic world where human life is commodified and the boundaries of identity are pushed to their limits.
An Unusual Hero on a Dystopian Planet
Mickey 17 tells the story of Mickey Barnes, an “Expendable” employed on a dangerous colonization mission to Niflheim. As part of a futuristic workforce, Mickey’s job requires dying repeatedly—each time waking up in a new, cloned body with his memories intact. It’s a haunting premise that explores existential themes while peppering the narrative with Bong’s trademark dark humor.
The twist comes when Mickey awakens to find his successor, the identical Mickey 18, alive and functioning. Forced to hide his double existence, Mickey confronts the ethical and emotional toll of a system that treats human life as disposable. This inner conflict serves as the film’s emotional core, driven by Pattinson’s nuanced performance.
Alongside Pattinson, the film features a stellar ensemble including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette, each adding depth to the complex narrative. The dynamic cast helps ground Bong’s ambitious vision in authentic, human stakes.
From Box Office to Streaming: A Second Life
After its world premiere at the 75th Berlin Film Festival and a U.S. theatrical release on March 7, Mickey 17 earned a global box office total of approximately $132 million. Despite a substantial production budget of $118 million, the film fell short of its breakeven mark, with some estimates projecting losses of up to $80 million for Warner Bros.
Critics offered mixed reviews, with Variety’s Peter Debruge noting that while visually arresting, the film’s themes sometimes feel “recycled,” potentially limiting its allegorical impact. Yet for fans of Bong’s earlier works such as Snowpiercer, Okja, and Memories of Murder, the thematic layering and visual storytelling continue to be a draw.
Now with its arrival on Max, Mickey 17 has the chance to find a broader audience. Streaming offers a fresh opportunity for viewers to engage with the film’s philosophical questions and genre-bending style without the pressure of box office numbers.
Why Should You Watch Mickey 17 on Max?
Bong Joon Ho’s films have a way of lingering with audiences, provoking conversation and rewatchability. Mickey 17 is no exception. It challenges viewers to question the meaning of identity, sacrifice, and corporate exploitation through a narrative that is as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.
The streaming release also coincides with a current exhibit dedicated to Bong’s work at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, highlighting his impact on global cinema. This makes Mickey 17 not just a film to watch, but a piece of a larger cultural conversation.
Will Mickey 17 gain cult status post-release? Only time will tell. But with its Max debut on May 23, viewers will soon be able to decide for themselves whether this darkly comic parable earns a place among Bong’s most iconic works.
