While Mickey 17 is adapted from Edward Ashton’s 2022 novel Mickey7, Ashton’s version is a much more straightforward sci-fi story than Bong’s. In the Korean virtuoso’s hands, this story plays out like an extension of nearly every theme and visual approach he’s used throughout his lengthy career.

Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette and Steven Yeun are also part of the cast for the new movie, set in a dystopian future.

Mickey 17 should not be expected to follow in Parasite’s footsteps as a major Oscars contender, no matter how good Bong Joon Ho’s latest film is.