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Bong Joon-Ho’s Sci-Fi Thriller ‘Mickey 17’ Sets Theatrical Release Date

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What’s next from Bong Joon Ho? In the wake of the Oscar-winning Parasite, the filmmaker is tackling Mickey 17, an adaptation of sci-fi novel Mickey7.

Today, Warner Bros. Pictures revealed that it’s set March 29, 2024 as the theatrical release date for Mickey 17. With the announcement brings a first look at star Robert Pattinson, below, who appears to be waking from a cryochamber.

Pattinson stars alongside Toni Collette, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo and Naomi Ackie.

The source novel, Mickey7, is described as a “science fiction thriller,” and it was written by Edward Ashton. Here’s the plot synopsis for the book, via Amazon…

The Martian meets Dark Matter in Edward Ashton’s high concept science fiction thriller, in which Mickey7, an “expendable,” refuses to let his replacement clone Mickey8 take his place.”

“Dying isn’t any fun…but at least it’s a living.

“Mickey7 is an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonize the ice world Niflheim. Whenever there’s a mission that’s too dangerous―even suicidal―the crew turns to Mickey. After one iteration dies, a new body is regenerated with most of his memories intact. After six deaths, Mickey7 understands the terms of his deal…and why it was the only colonial position unfilled when he took it.

“On a fairly routine scouting mission, Mickey7 goes missing and is presumed dead. By the time he returns to the colony base, surprisingly helped back by native life, Mickey7’s fate has been sealed. There’s a new clone, Mickey8, reporting for Expendable duties. The idea of duplicate Expendables is universally loathed, and if caught, they will likely be thrown into the recycler for protein.

“Mickey7 must keep his double a secret from the rest of the colony. Meanwhile, life on Niflheim is getting worse. The atmosphere is unsuitable for humans, food is in short supply, and terraforming is going poorly. The native species are growing curious about their new neighbors, and that curiosity has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7.

“That is, if he can just keep from dying for good.”

Horror journalist, RT Top Critic, and Critics Choice Association member. Co-Host of the Bloody Disgusting Podcast. Has appeared on PBS series' Monstrum, served on the SXSW Midnighter shorts jury, and moderated horror panels for WonderCon and SeriesFest.

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‘The Strangers: Chapter 1’ Just Had the Highest Domestic Horror Opening of the Year

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The bar wasn’t very high to clear, but Lionsgate’s The Strangers: Chapter 1 did manage to break a box office record here in 2024, achieving the highest opening weekend at the domestic box office out of any horror movie released this year… so far. This despite largely negative reviews, once again proving that the horror genre is as review-proof as it comes.

The Strangers: Chapter 1 debuted with $11.83M at the domestic box office in 2,856 locations, just barely topping Blumhouse’s Night Swim to rip the crown off the top of its head.

Here’s the full lineup of domestic opening weekends for horror this year…

  • The Strangers: Chapter 1 – $11.8 million
  • Night Swim – $11.7 million
  • Abigail – $10.2 million
  • Imaginary – $9.9 million
  • The First Omen – $8.3 million
  • Tarot – $6.5 million
  • Immaculate – $5.3 million
  • Lisa Frankenstein – $3.6 million

For further context and comparison, 2018’s The Strangers: Prey at Night opened to $10.4 million before making $31 million worldwide, a number Chapter 1 may eventually reach.

The good news for Lionsgate is that the production budget for The Strangers: Chapter 1 was a reported $8.5 million, so there’s a good chance this one will soon be profitable. But is it enough to justify theatrical releases for both Chapter 2 and Chapter 3, which will continue Chapter 1‘s storyline and have already been filmed? Or will Lionsgate pivot to a streaming release?

These are the questions we can’t help but ponder today. Stay tuned for more.

Madelaine Petsch (“Riverdale”), Froy Gutierrez (Hocus Pocus 2), Rachel Shenton (The Silent Child), Ema Horvath (“Rings of Power”) and Gabe Basso (Hillbilly Elegy) star.

Here’s the full official synopsis: “After their car breaks down in an eerie small town, a young couple are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. Panic ensues as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who strike with no mercy and seemingly no motive.”

Renny Harlin directed The Strangers: Chapter 1.

The Strangers Chapter 1 review

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