Steven Yeun Discusses ‘Brotherly’ Love and Survival in ‘Mickey 17’

Interview with Steven Yeun: His Journey in Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17

In an exclusive conversation with The Mary Sue, actor Steven Yeun opened up about his compelling role in the anticipated Bong Joon-ho film Mickey 17. This dystopian sci-fi comedy, adapted from Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7, chronicles the adventure of Mickey Barnes, played by Robert Pattinson, as he embarks on a perilous mission to colonize a distant planet.

The Character Dynamics: Timo and Mickey

In this riveting storyline, Yeun takes on the character of Timo, Mickey’s steadfast best friend from Earth who assumes the critical role of pilot for their interstellar journey. During his discussion with Rachel Leishman from The Mary Sue, Yeun delves into the profound bond between Timo and Mickey, describing their relationship as remarkably “brotherly.”

“Between them, Timo really does love Mickey. They’ve bonded in a way that feels brotherly; it’s deep. I think maybe an aspect of Timo that feels a little ungraceful is he just wants to make sure that Mickey stays alive at all costs…”

Timo’s Survival Instincts

Yeun elaborates further on Timo’s character traits, stating, “For Timo, this is a guy who survives. He’ll adapt to any circumstances, doing whatever it takes to stay alive. If he has to be a pilot today or a macaroon store owner tomorrow, that’s just his nature; survival is his priority.” This adaptability may underscore Timo’s ability to manage the unpredictability of their daunting mission.

A History in Sci-fi

Yeun’s extensive experience in the sci-fi genre, with acclaimed roles in projects such as The Walking Dead and Nope, has equipped him to seamlessly step into the reality of unfamiliar worlds. He expressed excitement about the film’s costumes and production design, noting the impressive work of costume designer Catherine George.“The real fun thing for me is the costumes and the production design; Catherine George created some really exceptional outfits for my character, ” he remarked.

Collaboration with Visionary Creators

Catherine George, known for her previous collaborations on Bong Joon-ho films like Snowpiercer and Okja, also worked on Problemista, showcasing her expertise in crafting intriguing designs that enhance storytelling. Having teamed up with George and Bong Joon-ho on Okja, Yeun’s familiarity with their creative process is evident.

A Glimpse into the Future

With a remarkable track record, including recent accolades for his role in Beef—which garnered him a Golden Globe, Emmy, and Critics Choice award—Steven Yeun continues to solidify his place in the industry. Fans look forward to seeing him alongside a star-studded cast including Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo in Mickey 17, set to hit theaters on March 7, 2025.

For more insights and details from this engaging interview, visit The Mary Sue.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbZKKXE7QkI

Steven Yeun on costumes, friendship, and 'Mickey 17' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MbZKKXE7QkI)