We had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredible Steven Yeun to talk about his latest film, Mickey 17, a gripping sci-fi epic from the visionary mind of Bong Joon Ho. Yeun, known for his captivating performances, dives into his role in this mind-bending adventure.
First of all, what drew you to the film Mickey 17, and particularly to the character of Timo?
Steven Yeun: You know, I think it was more about Director Bong. I remember the first time I read the script—I think I’d be lying if I said, "I get it." It was more like, "Whoa, what is this?"
With Director Bong, you’re not really trying to determine whether you want to play a role; you’re more like, "Can I help him accomplish whatever he’s trying to accomplish?" To be asked to participate in that is a true honor, so yeah, you just say yes.
There are obviously a lot of existential themes in this film. What role do you think Timo plays in that storytelling?
Steven Yeun: I think Timo represents a specific story of reinvention in his own way. He’s a survivor—kind of entrepreneurial—and he has very gray morals. In that sense, he sees this ship as another chance to reinvent himself.
So, in a way, he’s an interesting parallel to the literal journey of Mickey.
Were there any challenges in playing such a complex character?
Steven Yeun: You always want to do a good job—especially for Director Bong. I have a lot of fun working with him, just playing with the character, coming up with ideas, pitching things to him.
And then, when you see him compose the frame, you really want to honor that and bring that frame to life for him. So, I had a lot of fun. I wouldn’t say there were any hardships—it was just really playful and fun.
The relationship between Mickey and Timo—was there a particular way you approached that, working alongside Robert Pattinson?
Steven Yeun: You know, we didn’t have to do too much. We had a couple of conversations—he came over one time, and we just chatted for a while, got to know each other.
Rob is such a dedicated and really special actor. Watching his commitment helps you feel like, "Cool, he’s going to take care of his space, and I just have to come with mine." Then, we just see how it bounces off each other—you just kind of feel your way around.
Was there a lot of guidance for the role?
Steven Yeun: He [Director Bong] will tell you what he’s interested in, a little bit of what he thinks the character might be. He’s bringing out aspects of the character that he really likes.
For him, I think he really wanted to land a character that makes difficult choices—someone who does things that might not be great, but somehow you still like him. Even if you don’t fully understand him, you’re kind of like, "Okay, I guess that makes sense for him." That was really what we were trying to get at.
What do you hope audiences take away from the story, and more specifically, from Timo?
Steven Yeun: I don’t know if there’s anything specific that I want them to take away. I just hope, in some weird tangential way, people can relate to Timo in some way. I hope he contributes to the story in a meaningful way.
Yeah, I don’t know—I just hope they enjoy the character.
Compared to your past roles, did you take a more serious approach to Timo, or was there a comedic element?
Steven Yeun: You want to fit into Director Bong’s tone. I think part of Timo’s charm is that he’s just kind of... I don’t know, I can’t self-diagnose him, but there’s just a little bit of charisma to that guy.
I think he wants to be liked, too. And in that way, he’ll find a way to get you to like him—even when he’s stealing money out of your pocket. There’s just a way about him.
Mickey 17 lands in UK and Irish cinemas on March 7 - don’t miss it!