Director Bong Joon-ho, best known for his Oscar-winning film Parasite (2019), returns to the screen with his latest project, Mickey 17. This highly anticipated sci-fi thriller has already captured the attention of fans and critics alike, and a newly released sneak peek shared by Warner Bros. Pictures has only added to the excitement. In the brief but tantalizing clip, viewers get a glimpse of Mark Ruffalo’s character as he confronts two versions of Robert Pattinson’s character, Mickey. What follows is an intense moment where Ruffalo’s character touches a burning stick to one of the Pattinsons’ faces before proceeding to wipe their memory.
Ruffalo, widely recognized for his role as the Hulk in the Avengers films, has been embracing darker, more complex roles in recent years. His portrayal of an unhinged character in Poor Things (2024) earned critical praise, and his performance in Mickey 17 has sparked similar enthusiasm. Fans have already expressed their admiration, with one commenting, “For having played a superhero, Mark Ruffalo is really good at being the villain,” while another fan excitedly remarked, “First Poor Things, now this—such an entertaining guy!”
The clip also brings attention to the dual presence of Pattinson on screen, playing both Mickey 17 and Mickey 18. His character, an expendable clone sent on dangerous missions to colonize an ice planet, undergoes repeated deaths and resurrections. Each time Mickey perishes, a new version of him is brought back to continue the mission. The new footage hints at the emotional toll this cycle takes on the clones, especially when Mickey 18’s memory is wiped, raising the stakes for his survival.
In the film, the “17” in the title represents the 17th iteration of Mickey. The plot explores the psychological and physical toll of constantly dying and being reborn, with the new clip teasing that this might be the iteration where Mickey’s life is truly at risk. Mickey 17 promises to explore high-concept sci-fi themes while blending emotional depth with Joon-ho’s signature storytelling style.
The buzz surrounding the movie has been palpable. Fans are particularly excited about Joon-ho’s involvement, with one viewer commenting, “Yeah – this is one I’m really looking forward to. Some high concept Sci-Fi made by a great team.” Another fan eagerly joined the hype, stating, “Dayum, one of the greatest directors of this generation and two Pattisons. F*** yes, we’re onboard the hype train.”
Mickey 17 boasts an all-star cast, including Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, and Toni Collette, all joining Pattinson and Ruffalo in what promises to be an unforgettable sci-fi experience. With Bong Joon-ho at the helm, this film is shaping up to be a must-see for fans of the genre.