Inside ‘Mickey 17’: Pattinson and Ackie Discuss Life in Cloning Chaos

LOS ANGELES, March 4, 2025 — Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie discuss their roles in Bong Joon-ho‘s latest film, ‘Mickey 17,’ which explores cloning, existence, and humor against a science fiction backdrop. The film, set to be released in theaters on March 7, 2025, features Pattinson as Mickey Barnes, an expendable worker on a human colony expedition. His character regenerates after lethal missions, only to confront an unexpected twist when he meets his clone, Mickey 18.

During a recent interview, Pattinson and Ackie opened up about the challenging nature of filming and the evolution of their careers. “I was really nervous working with Bong,” Pattinson said, reflecting on the unconventional production style of the Oscar-winning director, known for his ability to blend drama with absurdist comedy. “Everyone has such reverence for Bong; it was one of the most fun jobs I’ve ever had.” Ackie, who portrays Nasha, Mickey 17’s girlfriend, echoed his sentiments, praising the collaborative atmosphere on set.

In a light-hearted exchange, Ackie noted, “You filmed ‘Blink Twice’ before ‘Mickey 17’? So much has changed.” Pattinson laughed, revealing he had become a father since then. They reminisced about their experiences during the filming of ‘Mickey 17’ and their various projects while touching on the current state of the film industry.

Bong Joon-ho, renowned for ‘Parasite,’ has crafted ‘Mickey 17’ by adapting Edward Ashton‘s novel, ‘Mickey7.’ The film carries political commentary while engaging audiences with its humorous undertones. Bong emphasized the importance of humor in his storytelling, stating, “When the subject matter is serious, it needs humor like seasoning in a meal to balance it out.” The director acknowledged the challenge of creating comedy in a nonnative language, reflecting on the unique dynamics of collaboration with his cast.

“I make it a point to work with actors who handle humor well,” Bong noted, ultimately relying on their comedic sensibility to enhance the film. Pattinson’s seamless adaptation to the filming environment was particularly noteworthy, as Bong mentioned how quickly Pattinson connected with Korean culture during their press tour.

As they discussed the film, both actors expressed excitement about audience reactions. “I think it’s a very charming film that doesn’t go the way you think it’s going to go,” Ackie said. Pattinson humorously highlighted a memorable line from the film, remarking, “Probably my favorite line I’ve ever seen in a movie is when Toni Collette says: ‘The aliens look like croissants dipped in shit.’”

The actors also touched on their experiences in the industry, with Pattinson mentioning the pressure of performing in high-stakes roles, while Ackie noted the evolution of expectations placed on female characters in film. “I do get a lot of auditions to play the girlfriend who asks, ‘When are you coming home?'” she revealed, reflecting on the demand for more complex roles for women.

Both Pattinson and Ackie are hopeful that films like ‘Mickey 17’ can pave the way for unique narratives that deviate from conventional storytelling. “The audience’s appetite for strangeness has expanded, and it’s fantastic to see that reflected in the films being made now,” Ackie remarked.

With their performances in ‘Mickey 17,’ Pattinson and Ackie aim to challenge cinematic norms, inviting viewers into a world where life and death take on new meaning. They agreed that the recent writers’ strike shifted the energy in Hollywood, sparking a newfound excitement among actors and filmmakers alike.

As they prepare for the film’s release, Pattinson hopes to continue portraying varied characters, potentially reprising his role as Batman. “I fucking hope so,” he declared, sharing his anticipation for future projects. The star also hinted at upcoming ventures in production as he pushes toward uncharted territory in his career.