In a future where Earth is struggling with overpopulation and environmental collapse, space colonization becomes humanity’s last hope. Mickey Barnes is an “Expendable”—a worker who takes on deadly tasks because he can be cloned upon death, with his memories transferred to the next iteration. Each time he dies, a new version is created, allowing the mission to continue without interruption. During a perilous expedition, Mickey 17 is presumed dead. However, instead of perishing, he survives and returns to the colony—only to discover that Mickey 18 has already been printed to replace him. The existence of two Mickeys is a serious violation of protocol, putting both versions at risk of being eliminated by the colony’s authoritarian leadership. As Mickey 17 and Mickey 18 struggle to conceal their dual existence, they uncover dark secrets about their mission, including the true purpose of the colonization effort and the exploitation of an indigenous alien species. Facing threats from both their own commanders and the hostile environment of Niflheim, the Mickeys must join forces to outwit their superiors and redefine their own fate. The film explores deep themes of identity, free will, and the ethics of cloning, wrapped in Bong Joon Ho’s signature blend of social commentary, dark humor, and thrilling storytelling.
