Director Bong Joon-ho's humanistic sci-fi ‘Mickey 17’ is set to hit theaters.
On the morning of the 20th, a press conference for the film ‘Mickey 17’ was held at Megabox Coex in Seoul. Director Bong Joon-ho, producer Choi Doo-ho, and actors Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Mark Ruffalo attended.
‘Mickey 17’ tells the unpredictable story of Mickey, a disposable (expendable) sent on dangerous missions, who faces his 17th death crisis when ‘Mickey 18’ is printed, believing that he has died. This is the new work from director Bong Joon-ho, who won the Palme d'Or and Academy Awards for ‘Parasite’, after six years. It is based on the novel ‘Mickey 7’ by American author Edward Ashton.
Robert Pattinson plays Mickey, taking on dual roles. Naomi Ackie plays Nasha, a girlfriend of all the Mickeys and an elite agent on the ice planet, while Steven Yeun plays Timo, Mickey's friend from Earth, and Mark Ruffalo portrays Commander Kenneth Marshall of the ice planet. Robert Pattinson visited Korea alone to meet fans on the 20th of last month.
Mark Ruffalo expressed, “I’m happy to be back in Korea. I was welcomed the last time I visited. When I was there, Robert Downey Jr. from the Avengers was jealous of me. I was delighted. It was the first time I saw someone being jealous. So, I’m happy to be here in Korea,” adding, “I came here after finishing the movie, and I rode a motorcycle on the way here. Being here with Bong Joon-ho, one of the greatest directors among all living directors, and with wonderful actors makes me very happy.”
Mark Ruffalo, who played his first villain role, said, “It’s amazing. When I received the offer, I wondered if it was really for me, so I read the script carefully. I’m grateful. I thank the director for believing in me when I was doubting myself. Of course, I can’t be satisfied with my performance. I often think that I could have done better and that I’m always incomplete.”
He continued, “In the end, I’m satisfied with the result of the movie. But I’m also scared because it’s my first attempt. I haven’t read the reviews yet, so I don’t know the reactions, but I think it’s important to act in line with the film’s purpose.”
Director Bong Joon-ho responded to the reactions that Mark Ruffalo's character resembles former President Trump by saying, “Mark Ruffalo has universally created a character that merges figures from human history. It’s interesting how different countries interpret it.”
Naomi Ackie said, “I’m really grateful. This is my first time in Korea. I’ve wanted to come to Korea for a long time. I’m happy to be here with the director.”
Regarding her experience working with ‘Bongtail’ Bong Joon-ho, she said, “Working with Bongtail was wonderful. As an actor, I want the director to set boundaries for me like a child. I see the director as a parent because he provides me with space.” She added, “Bongtail allowed me to be free in ways I hadn’t experienced before. I was nervous, but he told me I would get used to it. I was able to work freely with Director Bong, and it was great.”
Steven Yeun expressed, “I’m also happy to be back in Korea. I’m glad to be with my wonderful colleagues. I’m happy to work with Director Bong Joon-ho again.”
Having reunited with Director Bong Joon-ho after ‘Okja’, Steven Yeun said, “Director Bong looks at characters and actors as they are and actively supports them. There are some boundaries, but ultimately, he trusts and supports the actors.” He added, “Working with Director Bong allows me to act with more ease on set. His perspective is beautiful. Director Bong’s unique vision is beautiful.”
Director Bong Joon-ho described ‘Mickey 17’ as “a subject that has been dealt with in many sci-fi works, cloning humans. If you look closely, the original concept is different. It’s about human printing. It prints people. Instead of a superhero, it prints a kind and pitiful young man who could be found around us, leading to the unfolding of events. So, I thought it could be different from existing sci-fi.”
He continued, “I have a strange personality, so I think I see odd aspects when I look at people. If I see something different from the commonly known image in one corner, I become obsessed. It’s fascinating that Mark Ruffalo is playing a villain. I’m excited and honored that the first opportunity has come to me. When I first received the script, I thought, ‘Why do I have this feeling about Mark? It seems so cool.’ Historically, dictators have a dangerous charm. They are not just scary; they have something that captivates the public. I thought Mark Ruffalo would do well with that strange cuteness.”
Additionally, “Naomi Ackie’s portrayal of a dictator, shouting with tremendous energy and overpowering with her voice, received applause from the audience at the UK premiere. I’m glad to have recognized Naomi, who has that kind of energy. The tone of the movie ‘Mickey 17’ is sci-fi, but my goal was to create something that has a human touch. Without Steven Yeun’s help, I wouldn’t have been able to create such a realistic tone. I was lucky to meet such actors,” he said, adding, “Please enjoy it in theaters. You’ll regret it if you don’t see it in theaters.”
‘Mickey 17’ will be released in South Korea on the 28th.
