LOS ANGELES — When actor Robert Pattinson receives a script, he often experiments with various voices to develop his character to the mild frustration of his girlfriend, Suki Waterhouse. This habit of his script analysis came into play significantly during the making of his 2014 film, “The Rover.” He admitted, “I feel uncomfortable just using my own accent. For a long time, speaking in an American accent felt more like acting to me.”
Given this tendency, it is no surprise that Pattinson’s creative gears started working overtime when offered a leading role in “Mickey 17,” the first film by acclaimed director Bong Joon Ho since the Oscar-winning “Parasite.” The movie, set for release by Warner Bros. on March 7, follows the tale of Mickey Barnes. Mickey is presented as kind-hearted yet naive, stepping into a world where “human printing” is utilized to deploy expendable humans for perilous tasks and experiments. These expendables, upon death, are replaced with printed versions retaining their consciousness and death memories. Yet, an unexpected twist arises when a different Mickey is printed while the 17th version of him is wrongly presumed dead.
For his portrayal of both Mickey personalities, director Bong sought an actor who could convincingly navigate this duality. Reflecting on Pattinson’s previous work in “The Lighthouse” and “Good Time,” Bong saw the potential for the sinister version of Mickey 18.
The storyline of “Mickey 17” is inspired by Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel “Mickey7.” Pattinson read the book prior to receiving the script and was struck by how the script deviated in tone from its source. “Reading Bong’s script, I thought, ‘How did he see this tone in the book?’ It’s very different, but fascinating,” Pattinson shared.
Working with the acclaimed Korean filmmaker was appealing to Pattinson, although the initial details about the project and his character were sparse. “The only thing I knew was that it was English and the part seemed impossible,” he laughed. As Pattinson delved deeper into his character, he imagined scenes reminiscent of the slapstick antics from “The Tom and Jerry Show,” though these scenes turned out to be darker. One vocal idea inspired by the comedian and stunt duo Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville, from his favorite “Jackass” series, was dismissed. However, an idea survived his initial instincts: “It felt a bit like ‘Ren and Stimpy,’” he remarked, comparing the cartoon duo to the dynamic between the two Mickeys. The mischievous nature of Mickey 18 closely matches Ren, while Mickey 17’s innocence mirrors Stimpy.
“I aimed for an exaggerated, cartoonish performance initially, gradually toning it down,” he detailed when explaining how he evolved the characters’ voices. “When directors give you freedom, you follow wherever your instincts lead.”
The sci-fi comedy, besides Pattinson, features a talented cast including Mark Ruffalo, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Naomi Ackie. Ackie, portraying Mickey’s romantic interest, quickly connected with Pattinson on set. “We’re both quite similar in our work approach—chatty until ‘Action,’ then we switch to acting. I love that separation between character and self,” she commented.
The experience with the esteemed director Bong was equally memorable. Ackie shared, “I bet anyone who worked with Bong Joon Ho would eagerly work with him again.” Despite the fame Bong has garnered since “Parasite’s” impressive Oscar victory in 2020, the director maintains humility. Describing the award season, he recalled, “It was exciting mingling with famous artists and filmmakers, but it was equally exhausting mentally and physically. I just remember repeatedly reaching for vitamins.”
