Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi epic Mickey 17, starring Robert Pattinson, has topped the U.S. box office in its opening weekend. However, its numbers suggest a rocky road ahead, raising concerns about its long-term profitability. Despite a fair start in South Korea, the film’s domestic performance indicates a lukewarm reception among North American audiences.
Mickey 17: A Dismal Domestic Opening
Mickey 17 debuted at No. 1 in the U.S. box office, collecting $19.1 million over its first weekend (March 7-9, 2025). While leading the weekend charts, this figure is underwhelming given its hefty $118 million production budget. For a major sci-fi spectacle directed by an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, these numbers fall short of expectations, suggesting muted audience interest despite strong early hype.
Bong Joon-ho, the mastermind behind Parasite, which became a global phenomenon, seemed poised to deliver another box office success. However, Mickey 17 appears to be struggling with mixed critical reception and limited appeal beyond Bong’s dedicated fanbase.
A Stronger Start in South Korea
Before its U.S. debut, Mickey 17 opened in South Korea on February 28, 2025, where it performed significantly better in its home market. The film earned $6.68 million in its opening weekend, securing a 68.4% market share. Within the first four days, it crossed the one-million admissions mark, reaching $8.9 million. By March 9, the film had crossed two million admissions and maintained the top spot in South Korea for nine consecutive days.
This performance highlights Bong Joon-ho’s strong domestic following, but it also raises questions about why the film hasn’t resonated as well in North America.
U.S. Box Office: The Top 5 Films (March 7-9, 2025)
While Mickey 17 claimed the No. 1 spot, other films continued their strong runs, with some outperforming expectations despite already being in theaters for multiple weeks.
1. Mickey 17 – $19.1M (Opening Weekend)
Despite debuting in first place, the film’s slow start suggests an uphill battle for profitability. Its overseas markets will be crucial in determining its long-term success.
2. Captain America: Brave New World – $8.5M (Fourth Weekend)
The latest Marvel installment added another $8.5 million to its domestic total, reaching $176.5 million in the U.S. Since its release, the film has amassed a global total of $370.7 million. While not an outright flop, these numbers are lower than expected for a Captain America film, indicating superhero fatigue among audiences.
3. Last Breath – $4.2M (Opening Weekend)
Woody Harrelson’s survival thriller Last Breath debuted in third place with $4.2 million, a modest start for an independent action-drama. With limited competition in its genre, the film could have a solid run in the coming weeks.
4. The Monkey – $3.9M (Third Weekend)
The horror adaptation of Stephen King’s The Monkey collected $3.9 million over the weekend, bringing its domestic total to $31 million. Internationally, it has earned $14.8 million, pushing its global gross to $45.8 million.
5. Paddington in Peru – $3.8M (Sixth Weekend)
Family-friendly Paddington in Peru continues its impressive run, grossing another $3.8 million domestically. With a worldwide total of $175.8 million, it remains one of the more consistent performers of 2025.
Historical Box Office Totals vs. Last Week’s Performance
For films that have been in theaters longer, here’s a breakdown of their cumulative totals alongside their most recent earnings:
- Captain America: Brave New World – $176.5M Domestic / $370.7M Global (Added $8.5M last weekend)
- The Monkey – $31M Domestic / $45.8M Global (Added $3.9M last weekend)
- Paddington in Peru – $175.8M Global (Added $3.8M last weekend)
These films, particularly Paddington in Peru, have demonstrated solid legs at the box office, in contrast to Mickey 17’s steep uphill battle.
Will Overseas Markets Save Mickey 17?
With its U.S. numbers underwhelming, Mickey 17’s international markets will determine whether it can recover its massive budget. The film has already seen better results in South Korea, and it will need similar support from key markets like China, Japan, and Europe to avoid financial disappointment.
The coming weeks will be crucial, as word-of-mouth and international expansion could either push Mickey 17 toward a respectable total or cement it as one of 2025’s major box office misfires.
While Mickey 17 claimed the No. 1 spot at the domestic box office, its underwhelming debut signals trouble for its long-term prospects. Its performance in South Korea was much stronger, but whether it can replicate that success globally remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Captain America: Brave New World and Paddington in Peru continue to perform steadily, proving that established franchises still hold their ground in today’s unpredictable box office landscape.
Will Mickey 17 find its audience in the coming weeks, or is it destined to be another high-budget disappointment? Only time will tell. (data sourses: AP, EW and Box Office Mojo)
