Mickey 17 Box Office: How Bong Joon Ho’s Sci-Fi Comedy Stacks Up in 2025

The Mickey 17 box office performance has been a hot topic since Bong Joon Ho’s latest sci-fi comedy hit theaters on March 7, 2025. Starring Robert Pattinson as an “expendable” worker on a mission to colonize an ice planet, the Warner Bros. film has sparked curiosity and debate among fans and industry insiders alike.

As of March 20, 2025, Box Office Mojo reports the film has grossed $35,017,615 domestically (38% of its total) and $57,200,000 internationally (62%), bringing its worldwide haul to $92,217,615. But with a hefty $118 million production budget—plus an estimated $80 million in marketing costs—how does this quirky space odyssey measure up in a competitive year?

Let’s dive into the numbers, the reception, and what this means for Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up to his Oscar-winning Parasite.

What Are the Latest Mickey 17 Box Office Figures?

According to Box Office Mojo, Mickey 17 has earned $35,017,615 in the domestic market as of today, March 20, 2025. This accounts for 38% of its total earnings.

Internationally, the film has performed stronger, pulling in $57,200,000—or 62% of its worldwide gross. Combined, the global total sits at $92,217,615.

These figures reflect the film’s run through its second week, with a notable opening

weekend of $19.1 million domestically and $53.3 million worldwide. However, a steep 60% drop in its second weekend has raised eyebrows about its staying power.

How Does Mickey 17 Compare to Bong Joon Ho’s Past Hits?

Bong Joon Ho’s Parasite remains the gold standard, grossing over $262 million worldwide on a modest $11 million budget. In contrast, Mickey 17’s $118 million price tag sets a much higher bar.

While Parasite thrived on word-of-mouth and critical acclaim, Mickey 17 opened to a solid but not spectacular $43.6 million globally in its first weekend. Its current $92.2 million total is respectable, but it’s pacing well below Parasite’s trajectory.

Posts on X note that Mickey 17’s R-rating and niche sci-fi premise might limit its broad appeal compared to the more accessible Parasite. Still, its international haul—particularly $17.9 million from South Korea—shows Bong’s home market remains a stronghold.

Is Mickey 17 a Box Office Flop or a Slow Burn?

The Mickey 17 box office narrative is complicated. With a reported $198 million cost (production plus marketing), the film needs to hit roughly $275–$300 million worldwide to break even. At $92.2 million so far, it’s got a long way to go.

Critics have praised its creativity, with a 78% Rotten Tomatoes score, but audiences are less enthusiastic, giving it a B CinemaScore and a 73% Popcornmeter rating. This lukewarm reception may explain its 60% second-weekend drop to $7.5 million domestically.

Yet some industry voices, like filmmaker Boots Riley on X, argue its $53.3 million opening weekend is “pretty good” for an original sci-fi film. Could it be a slow burn with legs, or is it destined to join 2025’s list of costly misfires?

Why Is Mickey 17 Struggling to Turn a Profit?

Original sci-fi is a tough sell, and Mickey 17’s $118 million budget amplifies the risk. For context, 20th Century Studios’ The Creator opened to $14 million domestically in 2023 and finished below $104 million worldwide—hurt by strikes but still a cautionary tale.

Mickey 17’s international strength ($57.2 million) outpaces its domestic take ($35 million), but soft markets like China ($2 million) haven’t helped. Variety reports it may lose Warner Bros. over $100 million if it tops out around $100–$165 million globally, as some predict.

An early pivot to streaming—set for March 25, 2025, just 18 days after its theatrical debut—signals the studio’s lack of faith in its theatrical longevity. This move could cap its box office potential even further.

What’s Next for Mickey 17 at the Box Office?

The Mickey 17 box office story isn’t over yet, but the clock is ticking. Its second-weekend slump and impending digital release suggest a domestic finish around $40–$50 million, with a global ceiling possibly below $165 million.

Warner Bros. might lean on premium video-on-demand revenue to offset losses, but theatrical profitability looks out of reach. Still, its critical praise and Bong’s loyal fanbase could keep it in the cultural conversation, even if the numbers don’t dazzle.

Some Closing Thoughts:

As Mickey 17 navigates a crowded 2025 landscape, its box office journey underscores the gamble of big-budget originality. Bong Joon Ho’s vision has found an audience—$92,217,615 worth, to be exact—but not enough to thaw the financial ice planet it’s stuck on.

Whether it’s remembered as a bold swing or a costly miss, Mickey 17 proves that even a master filmmaker faces uphill battles in today’s market.

Keep an eye on those Box Office Mojo updates; this one’s still unfolding.

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