SEOUL: Internationally acclaimed Korean director Bong Joon-ho's new film, "Mickey 17," has reportedly been rescheduled for an April release. The U.S. entertainment magazine Variety reported Wednesday (U.S. time) that the sci-fi fantasy, initially set for a U.S. release on Jan. 30, is now scheduled for April 18, citing distributor Warner Bros. As a result, the movie's Korean release, originally planned for Jan. 28, is also expected to shift to April. The date change is aimed at reaching a wider audience over the Easter holiday, with Warner Bros. reportedly "very happy" about the decision. Initially planned for March, the film's release was previously postponed due to various reasons, including Hollywood strikes. Starring Robert Pattinson and Steven Yeun, "Mickey 17," the director's first project since the Oscar-winning "Parasite" (2019), is adapted from Edward Ashton's novel "Mickey7," which revolves around a cloned space explorer sent to an ice-covered planet.According to Yonhap News Agency, the decision to postpone the release date comes amid efforts to maximize the film's potential reach during a time when audiences are more likely to attend theaters. The Easter holiday period is traditionally a lucrative time for the film industry, as families and individuals often seek entertainment options. This strategic move by Warner Bros. aligns with industry practices to capitalize on high-traffic times of the year. The film "Mickey 17" is anticipated to be a major attraction, given Bong Joon-ho's previous success with "Parasite," which garnered international acclaim and several awards. The film features a strong cast and is expected to draw interest from both fans of the director's work and science fiction enthusiasts.
- October 12, 2026
