‘Mickey 17’ and Robert Pattinson’s Rise as Sci-Fi’s Leading Man
As Mickey 17 nears its release date, Robert Pattinson has once again proven himself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. Long gone are the Twilight days as Pattinson has deliberately chosen roles that challenge expectations, particularly in science fiction.
His ability to blend indie sensibilities with big-budget storytelling has made him a formidable force in the genre. Now, Pattinson’s upcoming role in Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17 further cements his place as sci-fi’s leading man.
Robert Pattinson broke from the mainstream and the sci-fi mold
After Twilight, Pattinson could have easily pursued more mainstream blockbusters. Perhaps jaded by the circus around the vampire franchise, he gravitated toward independent films, collaborating with auteurs like David Cronenberg and Claire Denis. Notably, Pattinson’s sci-fi work in films like 2012’s Cosmopolis and 2018’s High Life marked a departure from his previous roles, allowing him to explore darker, more cerebral narratives.
Pattinson’s approach to science fiction is anything but conventional. In David Cronenberg’s dystopian drama Cosmopolis, he played a billionaire navigating an increasingly surreal world. The film’s philosophical themes and minimalist storytelling set it apart from traditional sci-fi fare. It gave Pattinson the chance to stretch himself, dipping his toe in a sci-fi-esque film that moved away from his fantasy work in Harry Potter and Twilight.
Similarly, High Life, directed by Claire Denis, saw Pattinson portraying a convict sent on a deep-space mission with unsettling consequences. The film’s meditative pacing and psychological depth showcased his ability to carry complex, character-driven stories within the sci-fi genre.
Pattinson’s return to blockbusters didn’t sacrifice storytelling
Despite his preference for indie projects, Pattinson has not shied away from larger productions. His 2020 role as Neil in Christopher Nolan’s Tenet paired him with a master storyteller while reinforcing his credibility as a leading man in cerebral sci-fi. The film’s intricate narrative and time-bending mechanics required a performance that balanced charm with intellectual gravitas, which Pattinson delivered seamlessly (even if he didn’t quite grasp the plot).
While The Batman is not a sci-fi film in the traditional sense, its noir-inspired, dystopian aesthetic showcased Pattinson’s ability to navigate complex, genre-driven narratives. Director Matt Reeves wanted a grounded detective story, but no superhero story is completely void of sci-fi elements. Pattinson cleared high expectations as Batman and returned to his franchise roots, albeit with a much more impressive resume in tow.
‘Mickey 17’ continues Pattinson’s sci-fi journey
Pattinson continues to seek out unique projects that challenge the boundaries of storytelling. One of his most highly anticipated upcoming roles is in Oscar-winner Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17, a sci-fi thriller based on Edward Ashton’s novel. Pattinson will portray a disposable employee cloned for a human expedition to colonize an ice planet, grappling with identity, mortality, and survival. With Bong’s visionary direction and Pattinson’s penchant for unconventional roles, Mickey 17 is expected to be another significant addition to his sci-fi filmography.
By choosing roles that prioritize substance over spectacle, Robert Pattinson has carved a niche for himself in science fiction. His willingness to embrace challenging narratives and unconventional storytelling has solidified his status as one of the most intriguing actors working in the genre today.
Mickey 17 hits theaters on March 7.
