Bong Joon-ho Discusses Political Influences in 'Mickey 17'

Director Bong Joon-ho recently shared insights into the characters of the dictator couple in his upcoming film 'Mickey 17' during an interview in Yeouido, Seoul. He confirmed that the couple is indeed inspired by specific political figures.

'Mickey 17' marks Bong's return to filmmaking after his acclaimed work 'Parasite' (2019), which won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and an Academy Award. The film is based on Edward Ashton's novel 'Mickey 7' and follows Mickey, a disposable worker who is sent on dangerous missions and is printed anew each time he dies. The story unfolds as Mickey faces his 17th death, leading to the printing of Mickey 18, who believes the original has perished.

Before its release, Bong showcased the film at the London premiere and the 75th Berlin International Film Festival, receiving enthusiastic responses from audiences. Following a screening, speculation arose that the character Kenneth Marshall, played by Mark Ruffalo, was a nod to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Bong clarified, "I explained my timeline because I completed the script in September 2021 and began filming in the fall of 2022." He recounted how journalists at the Berlin festival asked if he had a crystal ball hidden away, reflecting the film's sensitive political themes. He admitted that the dictator couple does reference specific political figures, noting that the character of Ilpa Marshall, Kenneth's wife, was not present in the original novel. He expressed that a couple of dictators is more frightening and adds cinematic intrigue.

When asked about potential real-life inspirations, Bong mentioned the Marcos couple and Romania's Ceausescu couple, who were notorious in the late 1980s. He discussed his conversations with Ruffalo about blending the absurdity and horror of bad politicians in their portrayal. He acknowledged that viewers might project their local political situations onto the film, which is beyond his control.

Mark Ruffalo is taking on his first villain role in 'Mickey 17', and Bong noted that Ruffalo was initially surprised by the casting choice, questioning, "Why me? Do I have this side?" Bong reassured him, saying, "You're a seasoned actor; we want you to portray this character." Ruffalo quickly embraced the challenge, and Bong described Kenneth Marshall as a character with many flaws rather than a cold, charismatic figure.