This weekend, audiences braved the chill of winter to see the much-anticipated film ‘Mickey 17,’ directed by Bong Joon-ho, which opened with a less-than-expected $7.7 million on its first day. The movie premiered in 3,807 theaters across the United States, and while it took the top spot at the domestic box office charts, it faces an uphill battle to become profitable, as it has a hefty production budget of $118 million.
The World of Mickey 17
‘Mickey 17’ is based on a novel called *Mickey7* by Edward Ashton and features Robert Pattinson in the lead role as Mickey Barnes, an expendable colonist on a distant ice planet named Niflheim in the year 2054. In this sci-fi comedy, Mickey faces the unique challenge of repeatedly dying and being regenerated using a 3D copier, leading to hilarious yet thought-provoking moments.
Star-Studded Cast
Alongside Pattinson, the film has a talented cast that includes Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall, a politician leading the colonization efforts. Naomi Ackie plays Nasha, Mickey’s girlfriend who supports him through his extraordinary journey. Other notable stars include Toni Collette as Ylfa, Marshall’s wife, and Steven Yeun as Timo, Mickey’s frenemy.
- Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes
- Mark Ruffalo as Kenneth Marshall
- Naomi Ackie as Nasha
- Toni Collette as Ylfa
- Steven Yeun as Timo
The Movie’s Challenges
Even though ‘Mickey 17’ opened at the top of the charts, Warner Bros. has projected that the film will earn around $18 million over its opening weekend. However, for it to be deemed a success, it needs to surpass $275 million globally, pushing the filmmakers and cast to draw in more viewers over time.
Mixed Reviews from Critics
So far, reviews for ‘Mickey 17’ have been generally positive, though not as enthusiastic as they were for Bong Joon-ho’s previous film, *Parasite*. The CinemaScore gave it a “B” grade based on audience reactions, which suggests that while moviegoers appreciated it, there might be some mixed feelings about its execution.
Box Office Competition
In the competitive landscape of box office releases, ‘Mickey 17’ is going head-to-head with established favorites. *Captain America: Brave New World* remains a powerhouse, raking in $2.1 million on Friday alone, solidifying its position with a total domestic gross of $170.1 million. Other films like *Last Breath*, *The Monkey*, and *Paddington in Peru* are also vying for attention, making it essential for ‘Mickey 17’ to maintain its momentum during these crucial opening days.
Upcoming Releases
In the hustle and bustle of Hollywood, audiences are looking forward to more exciting films coming out soon. As the box office landscape shifts, *Mickey 17* fans and newcomers alike will want to see how the film fairs against these new contenders.
Box Office Performance Table
| Film Title | Friday Earnings | Projected Weekend Total |
|---|---|---|
| Mickey 17 | $7.7 million | $18 million |
| Captain America: Brave New World | $2.1 million | $170.1 million Total |
| Last Breath | $1.16 million | $4.1 million |
| The Monkey | $1.1 million | $3.9 million |
| Paddington in Peru | $900,000 | $3.8 million |
Whether you love sci-fi comedies or just want to see Pattinson in a new role, ‘Mickey 17’ offers a unique experience even if its box office numbers are a bit chilly to start. As the film continues its run, it will be interesting to see how audiences respond and whether it can achieve its financial goals.
