Two years after his Parasite Oscar sweep, Bong Joon Ho has found his next project: a science-fiction film based on Edward Ashton’s upcoming novel Mickey7. And to make things just that much more exciting, the Caped Crusader – aka Robert Pattinson – is in talks to star, reports Deadline.
Ashton’s novel follows the titular Mickey7, an Expendable: a disposable employee on a human expedition sent to colonise the ice world of 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 neighbours, and that curiosity has Commander Marshall very afraid. Ultimately, the survival of both lifeforms will come down to Mickey7.
Though Bong’s film will be inspired by the upcoming title, it’s unknown just how closely the director will stick to the source material. Bong will also produce for his production company Offscreen, alongside Dooho Choi for Kate Street Picture Company and Plan B (both production companies previously collaborated with Bong on Okja) over at Warner Bros.
Edward Ashton’s science-fiction novel releases February 15th in the US, and February 17th in the UK.
