Mickey 17 director Bong Joon-ho and actor Mark Ruffalo have firmly rejected the speculation suggesting that the film?s antagonist, a tyrannical politician named Kenneth Marshall (played by Ruffalo), is modeled after the current U.S. President, Donald Trump. Both Joon-ho and Ruffalo emphasized that Kenneth Marshall is not based on any actual person, dispelling the rumors that have circulated in the media.
Bong Joon-ho and Mark Ruffalo Clarify: Kenneth Marshall is Not a Real-World Figure
During a press conference held on February 20 in Seoul, South Korea, Joon-ho and Ruffalo took the opportunity to clarify that the character of Kenneth Marshall was not inspired by any real-world figures. This clarification comes in response to growing speculation that the character might reflect traits of Trump. Their comments highlight the tendency of audiences to connect fictional narratives with contemporary political figures and events.
?As the film explores numerous political nightmares and the portrayal of dictators, it seems that audiences tend to project their own political histories onto these characters,? Joon-ho remarked, reflecting on the nature of interpretation in cinema. (via K-VIBE)
To emphasize his point, the Oscar-winning director shared an anecdote from the film?s premiere at the Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, where an Italian journalist inquired if Benito Mussolini inspired Marshall?s character. This question illustrates the inclination to draw parallels between historical figures and fictional representations of power.
In addition to directing, Joon-ho also produced the film and wrote the screenplay, which is based on the science fiction novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton. The narrative centers around Robert Pattinson?s character, Mickey Barnes, a destitute individual yearning to escape Earth. He is recruited as an expendable clone laborer in Niflheim, a human colony, where he is expected to receive a new body each time the current one perishes. The plot thickens when Mickey 18 is activated while Mickey 17 is still alive, leading to unforeseen complications. Marshall serves as a politician in Niflheim, concealing sinister intentions for the colony. Toni Collette portrays Ylfa, Marshall?s ambitious and scheming wife.
Reflecting on his role, Ruffalo concurred with Joon-ho?s insights, describing his character as an archetypal petty dictator. ?We?ve witnessed this type of leader repeatedly over the past century,? he noted. ?They share common traits ? egotistical, fragile, self-centered, and self-serving,? Ruffalo elaborated, pointing to the universal nature of such political archetypes.
The actor further shared that he drew inspiration from a variety of individuals to shape his character?s portrayal. During the same press event, Joon-ho praised Ruffalo?s performance, stating that he delivered ?a compelling and universally resonant portrayal by seamlessly blending various elements into his character.? The collaborative effort in bringing the character to life reflects the depth and complexity of political narratives in film.
Mickey 17 is set to premiere in the United States on March 7, 2025, and is anticipated to be a significant addition to the science fiction genre, exploring themes of identity, power, and survival.
