Oscar-winning director Bong Joon-ho’s “Mickey 17,” his first film in six years, is heading to digital platforms just one month after its North American release. U.S. media report that the film is expected to lose around $80 million due to poor box office performance.
“Mickey 17,” which opened in North America on March 7, will begin streaming on platforms including Amazon Prime on April 7. As Bong’s first film since his Oscar-winning Parasite (2019), the sci-fi comedy drew high expectations, but it is projected to fall well short of its $300 million break-even point. According to Box Office Mojo, the film had grossed $122.37 million globally as of April 5. Entertainment outlet Variety estimates its losses at between $75 million and $80 million.
The film also underperformed at the Korean box office. As of April 5, its 36th day in theaters, “Mickey 17″ had yet to surpass 3 million admissions—falling short of “Firefighters,” a recent hit that reached the mark in just 24 days despite controversy surrounding its lead actor and a delayed release. While “Firefighters” had a seat occupancy rate in the 20% range, “Mickey 17″ approached 60%, making its performance all the more disappointing. A multiplex official remarked, “We didn’t expect it to do this poorly.”
“Mickey 17″ is expected to finally surpass 3 million admissions in South Korea on April 6, its 37th day in theaters. Film market analyst Kim Hyung-ho commented, “The film failed to attract Bong’s core audience of viewers in their 40s and older. Warner Bros.’ marketing was ineffective, and lead actor Robert Pattinson’s low recognition in Korea likely contributed to the weak performance.”
