Warner Bros. has made significant changes to its release schedule, prompting the removal of Bong Joon-ho’s much-anticipated film, “Mickey 17,” starring Robert Pattinson. The studio has also revealed a rescheduled release date for “Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire,” now set for March 29.
Variety sources indicate that the decision to withdraw the eagerly awaited sci-fi movie from the esteemed Korean filmmaker stemmed from the need for additional time to complete the project. “Mickey 17” encountered setbacks due to disruptions caused by strikes and various production shifts over the past year. Consequently, the latest addition to Warner Bros. and Legendary Entertainment’s “Godzilla and Kong” franchise, initially slated for an April 12 theatrical release, has been moved up by two weeks.
Derived from Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel, “Mickey 17” is described by St. Martin Press as a high-concept cerebral thriller akin to “The Martian” and “Dark Matter.” Pattinson assumes the role of an “expendable,” a disposable employee participating in a human expedition destined to colonize an ice planet. His character adamantly refuses to yield his position to a replacement clone.
Enthusiasts were granted a glimpse of Bong’s adaptation in December 2022 through a cryptic teaser released by Warner Bros., featuring the actor awakening within a chamber. While specific plot details remain shrouded in secrecy, the star-studded cast also includes Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
Following the monumental success of “Parasite,” which became the highest-grossing Korean film and the first non-English language movie to secure the Best Picture at the Oscars, “Mickey 17” marks Bong’s return to the director’s chair. Apart from his roles in writing and directing, Bong serves as a producer for the upcoming film under his company Offscreen. The production also involves Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner of Plan B and Dooho Choi of Kate Street Pictures as additional producers.
