Seoul, South Korea – Bong Joon-ho’s highly anticipated sci-fi film Mickey 17 will make its way to U.S. streaming platforms just a month after its theatrical debut, following a challenging run at the box office. The film’s shift to streaming reflects the struggles of the Oscar-winning director, known for his groundbreaking work in Parasite, to capture audience interest with his latest release.

The film’s journey to streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Fandango, comes despite high expectations following the success of Parasite, which garnered critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards in 2020. After a five-year wait since his last film, Mickey 17 was heralded as a major return for Bong Joon-ho to Hollywood, with its star-studded cast and ambitious premise.

However, Mickey 17 has not replicated the success of Parasite, and the global response has been underwhelming. Bong’s signature blend of thought-provoking storytelling and genre-bending cinematic style, which made Parasite a cultural phenomenon, has not managed to draw the crowds expected for Mickey 17. Despite receiving some praise for its creativity and direction, the film has struggled to connect with a wider audience, and its early box office performance fell short of expectations.

For Bong Joon-ho, known for his ability to blend social commentary with genre films, Mickey 17 marks a significant shift from his previous works. While the film’s commercial struggles are undeniable, it’s clear that Bong remains committed to exploring new narratives and pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. As Mickey 17 moves to streaming, it will be interesting to see how the film is received in the home viewing landscape, where it may find a more receptive audience, eager to experience Bong’s distinctive cinematic voice.