The movie “Mickey 17” (directed by Bong Joon-ho) has captivated North America as well. According to the American box office tracking site Box Office Mojo, “Mickey 17” grossed $19.1 million (approximately 27.7 billion won) from 3,807 theaters in North America over the first three days since its release on the 7th. During that period, it ranked first at the North American box office, the first time for a work by a Korean director. “Mickey 17” has achieved a global box office gross of $53.3 million (approximately 77.3 billion won).

Following North America, Korea generated the second highest revenue, earning $9 million in its first week. By the 9th, the cumulative audience surpassed 2 million. The film has also received positive reviews in France ($2.9 million) and the UK ($2.7 million).

Industry insiders had predicted that “Mickey 17” would earn up to $20 million in its opening week in North America. However, some local media outlets forecasted challenges in recouping its production costs.

The production budget for “Mickey 17” is reported to be $118 million (approximately 171.1 billion won). Variety noted that in order for “Mickey 17” to be profitable during its theatrical run, it would need to generate around $275 to $300 million globally.

“Mickey 17” tells the story of a disposable being called “Mickey” (played by Robert Pattinson) who is deployed for dangerous tasks and faces his 17th death crisis, only to have “Mickey 18” printed as the events unfold.

Meanwhile, the second highest grossing film at the box office was “Captain America: Brave New World,” followed by “Last Breath,” “The Monkey,” and “Paddington in Peru.”

<Photo source=Warner Bros. Korea>