Robert Pattinson discusses his quirky prep for Mickey 17, Bong Joon Ho’s genius, and playing a tortured clone.
How does Robert Pattinson prep for wild roles?
“I wander around practicing weird stuff—like a German taxi driver,” the actor joked to PEOPLE at Mickey 17’s London premiere.
His bizarre prep habits baffle loved ones, but Pattinson thrives in the chaos: “It annoys everyone… but it’s easy for me.”
Why did Mickey 17 feel surprisingly smooth for him?
Despite a “complicated” shoot for others, Pattinson called working with Bong Joon Ho “the nicest, easiest” experience.
After years idolizing the Parasite director, landing the “impossible” role of clone laborer Mickey Barnes electrified him: “The script was bizarre and so exciting.”
What makes Mickey Barnes such a twisted character?
Mickey 17 endures a grim gig—dying repeatedly for his job. Each clone (Mickey 18, 19, etc.) develops flaws like “frontal lobe damage” and “out-of-control libido.”
Pattinson relished dual roles: “Tortured worker vs. evil twin.”
How does fatherhood influence his acting now?
Fresh from welcoming a daughter with fiancée Suki Waterhouse, Pattinson finds depth in Mickey’s existential grind: “Lowest expectations… yet life pushes harder.”
Themes of identity and purpose resonate as he balances parenthood’s new stakes.
When does Mickey 17 hit theaters?
Mark March 7 for Bong’s sci-fi dark comedy. Co-starring Steven Yeun and Toni Collette, it blends cosmic absurdity with questions about human worth. Spoiler: Expect existential dread—and laughs.
Quick Facts About Mickey 17:
- Releases March 7, adapting Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey 7.
- Pattinson plays dual clones: one tormented, one chaotic.
- Directed by Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho (Parasite).
- Co-stars include Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, and Toni Collette.
- Themes tackle labor exploitation, identity, and dark humor.