Is Mickey 17 A Hit Or A Flop? Bong Joon Ho’s Sci-Fi Comedy Faces Box Office Test

As of March 24, 2025, Mickey 17, the latest cinematic venture from Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho, has sparked heated debates among fans and industry insiders alike: Is Mickey 17 a hit or a flop?

Starring Robert Pattinson in a quirky dual role, this sci-fi black comedy has grossed $40,222,000 domestically (36.6%) and $69,800,000 internationally (63.4%), totaling $110,022,000 worldwide, according to Box Office Mojo.

With a hefty $118 million production budget—plus an estimated $80 million in marketing costs—the film’s financial journey is under scrutiny. Let’s dive into its box office performance so far and explore whether it has a shot at breaking even.

What Are the Latest Box Office Numbers for Mickey 17?

The numbers tell a compelling story. Mickey 17 opened in theaters on March 7, 2025, in the U.S., following a South Korean debut on February 28. Domestically, it has pulled in $40,222,000, a figure that reflects a modest appetite among American audiences for Bong’s offbeat tale of an “expendable” colonist cloned after each death.

Internationally, the film shines brighter, raking in $69,800,000—63.4% of its worldwide haul. South Korea, Bong’s home turf, has been a standout market, contributing a significant chunk with $17.9 million. Other territories like the U.K. ($5.8 million) have also chipped in, showing global curiosity for this R-rated sci-fi experiment.

Worldwide, the total stands at $110,022,000. But with a combined production and marketing cost nearing $198 million, the question looms: can it climb higher?

How Did Mickey 17 Perform on Its Opening Weekend?

Mickey 17 kicked off with a $19.1 million domestic opening weekend, topping the U.S. charts but falling short of blockbuster territory. Globally, it notched $53.3 million, buoyed by a strong $34.2 million international start, including a record-breaking post-pandemic debut for Warner Bros. in South Korea.

Despite the No. 1 spot, the $118 million price tag cast a shadow. Analysts noted a 60% drop in its second weekend, with domestic earnings dipping to $7.5 million. This steep decline raised eyebrows, especially as premium formats like IMAX (16% of domestic sales) couldn’t sustain momentum.

For an original sci-fi film, some—like filmmaker Boots Riley on X—argued the opening was “pretty good.” Yet, the numbers suggest a niche appeal rather than mass-market domination.

Why Is Mickey 17 Struggling to Break Even?

Breaking even is a tall order. Industry estimates peg Mickey 17’s breakeven point at $275–$300 million globally, factoring in theatrical revenue splits and marketing costs. At $110,022,000, it’s not even halfway there.

The film’s $118 million budget—high for an auteur-driven original—amplifies the risk. Compare this to Bong’s Parasite, which grossed $262 million on an $11 million budget, and the gap is stark. Marketing costs, reportedly $80 million, further inflate the stakes, with efforts like NFL playoff spots failing to ignite widespread buzz.

A swift pivot to streaming on March 25—just 18 days after its theatrical debut—signals Warner Bros.’ lack of faith in its box office legs. Soft performances in key markets like China ($2 million) haven’t helped, leaving international gains to shoulder the load.

Can Mickey 17 Still Turn a Profit at the Box Office?

So, can Mickey 17 break even? It’s a long shot. Projections suggest a domestic finish of $40–$50 million and a global ceiling of $143–$165 million, far below the $300 million mark. A second-weekend slump and early digital release hint at fading theatrical momentum.

However, there’s a glimmer of hope. Bong’s loyal fanbase and critical praise (78% on Rotten Tomatoes) could fuel a slow burn. International markets, especially South Korea, might push it closer to $175 million if word-of-mouth spreads. Still, profitability likely hinges on post-theatrical revenue—streaming, VOD, and licensing deals—rather than ticket sales alone.

Warner Bros. may absorb a $75–$100 million theatrical loss, but Mickey 17’s cultural footprint could outlast its financial woes.

Is Mickey 17 a Hit or a Flop in the Eyes of Fans and Critics?

Critics have embraced Mickey 17, with a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score and a 72/100 on Metacritic. Audiences, though, are split—a “B” CinemaScore and 73% audience rating suggest it’s not universally loved. On X, sentiments range from “it didn’t deserve to bomb” to frustration over its struggle against cheaper remakes.

Financially, it’s leaning toward a flop. Culturally, it’s a hit with Bong’s devotees and sci-fi buffs. The divide underscores a broader tension: bold originals versus safe bets in today’s market.

Some Closing Thoughts: A Risky Bet in a Crowded Landscape

Mickey 17’s box office saga is a tale of ambition clashing with reality. At $110,022,000 worldwide, it’s a respectable haul for an R-rated sci-fi oddity, but the $198 million price tag looms large. Is Mickey 17 a hit or a flop? For now, it’s a financial underperformer with a chance to redeem itself in ancillary markets.

Bong Joon Ho’s vision has found an audience—just not enough to thaw its icy financial path. As 2025 unfolds, its legacy may hinge less on dollars and more on the conversation it sparks.

Keep an eye on Box Office Mojo; this story’s not over yet.

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