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The sci-fi thriller “Mickey 17” topped the North American box office during its opening weekend, generating $19.1 million in ticket sales and ending the three-week dominance of “Captain America: Brave New World.” The film has performed well internationally, accumulating $34.2 million, bringing its global earnings to $53.3 million. However, with production costs of $118 million, not including marketing expenses, the path to profitability remains challenging.
The film’s release comes at a significant moment in cinema history, just one week after “Anora” director Sean Baker’s Oscar speech emphasized the vital importance of theatrical releases. “Mickey 17” represents a unique case study: a big-budget original film from an acclaimed director, featuring a major star, backed by Warner Bros., and receiving favorable reviews with a 79% rating on RottenTomatoes. Despite these advantages, audience turnout suggests it wasn’t viewed as a must-see theatrical event.
The film, which experienced multiple delays due to Hollywood strikes, is directed by “Parasite” Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho. Adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey7,” it features Robert Pattinson as a disposable worker who undergoes multiple resurrections after dying on missions. The cast includes Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo.
#Mickey17 opened in first place on the North American box office charts with an estimated $19.1 million, but profitability is a long way off for “Parasite” filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s science fiction film, since it cost a reported $118 million to produce. https://t.co/9V150W9JlX
— WSVN 7 News (@wsvn) March 9, 2025
Released across 3,807 North American theaters, the film performed strongest in New York and Los Angeles. Premium formats, including IMAX, contributed to nearly half of its opening weekend revenue. The film found particular success in Korea, generating approximately $14.6 million.
Jeff Goldstein, Warner Bros.’ domestic distribution head, stated, “47% of the audience saw it in premium format, which shows that there’s a big interest from cinema fans to see the movie.”
“Director Bong is one of the few marquee directors out there along with Denis Villeneuve, Quentin Tarantino, and Chris Nolan whose fans really drive moviegoing,” he added.
The film faces limited competition in the coming weeks, giving Warner Bros. opportunity for sustained success.
“Captain America: Brave New World” secured second place, adding $8.5 million domestically and $9.2 million internationally, reaching a global total of $370.8 million. Disney is poised to become 2025’s first studio to surpass $1 billion in revenue.
“Parasite” filmmaker Bong Joon Ho’s original science fiction film “Mickey 17” opened in first place on the North American box office charts. https://t.co/rQNFgB2zeu
— Local 4 WDIV Detroit (@Local4News) March 9, 2025
Other notable releases included Paul W.S. Anderson’s “In the Lost Lands” and Angel Studios’ “Rule Breakers.” Meanwhile, “Anora” expanded to nearly 2,000 screens following its five Oscar wins, earning $1.9 million.
According to Comscore, 2025’s box office is showing a 1% increase compared to last year but remains 34.2% below 2019’s pre-pandemic levels.
Paul Dergarabedian, Comscore’s senior media analyst, noted, “That is the rollercoaster that is the box office. You have two or three down weeks, it can profoundly impact the bottom line and the percentage advantage. But it will come back again.”
Weekend box office rankings showed “Mickey 17” leading at $19.1 million, followed by “Captain America: Brave New World” ($8.5 million), “Last Breath” ($4.2 million), “The Monkey” ($3.9 million), and “Paddington in Peru” ($3.9 million). “Dog Man,” “Anora,” “Mufasa: The Lion King,” “Rule Breakers,” and “In the Lost Land” completed the top ten.
