The Pop Culture Landscape: New Films, Returning Heroes, and a Human Printer (of Robert Pattinsons!)
The world of entertainment never sleeps, and this week is no exception. We’re diving headfirst into a selection of intriguing new releases and returning favorites, from thought-provoking sci-fi to gritty superhero action and even a compelling wrestling biopic.
Let’s start with a whimsical, albeit slightly disturbing, thought: imagine a machine capable of printing out Robert Pattinsons on demand. The sheer demand alone would probably keep the device running around the clock. While the idea borders on the absurd and feels ripped straight from a Black Mirror episode, it highlights Pattinson’s enduring appeal.
Thankfully (or perhaps disappointingly, depending on your perspective), Pattinson remains uniquely himself. However, he does explore multiple versions of a single character in Mickey 17, the latest film from the brilliant mind of Bong Joon Ho, director of the Oscar-winning Parasite.
Now that awards season has faded into the background, we can fully embrace the exciting new cinematic offerings. Besides Mickey 17, Queen of the Ring is another noteworthy release, bringing the fascinating world of professional wrestling to the big screen.
And for the Marvel enthusiasts, Disney+ is delivering a dose of dark and gritty superhero action with Daredevil: Born Again. This revival brings back the beloved characters of Matt Murdock, the blind lawyer and Hell’s Kitchen vigilante, and Wilson Fisk, the formidable Kingpin of crime, from the acclaimed Netflix series.
Bong Joon Ho’s Mickey 17: A Sci-Fi Satire Exploring Identity and Humanity
Bong Joon Ho, the Korean filmmaker who captivated global audiences with Parasite, is venturing into space with Mickey 17, a sci-fi satire starring Robert Pattinson. The film centers on Mickey Barnes, a "disposable" employee whose job involves high-risk tasks that lead to his repeated deaths. After each demise, he is resurrected, or rather, "printed out," with his memories intact.
The narrative takes a turn when the 17th iteration of Mickey survives a perilous situation and encounters Mickey 18, a distinct version of himself. What follows is a thought-provoking and darkly humorous adventure that delves into themes of colonialism, dehumanization, and the power of empathy. I gave the movie a three star rating.
I had the opportunity to interview both Pattinson and Bong about the film, including the concept of the "human printer," which they revealed was inspired by nostalgic design elements. Pattinson shared his perspective on portraying multiple versions of the same character, explaining that he sees it as his character processes each individual Mickey as "a separate being to himself," he says. "It’s just a way of him dealing with the sort of awful situation he’s got himself in. Instead of saying, ‘Oh, my God, I’m having a total existential crisis,’ it’s like, ‘No, that was my older brother Mickey 3 who existed three months ago.’" This approach allows him to explore the nuances of each iteration and the psychological impact of repeated death and rebirth.
Daredevil: Born Again: A Gritty Return to Hell’s Kitchen
Before Marvel dominated Disney+, Netflix offered a grittier, more adult-oriented take on the superhero genre. Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, and Daredevil were among the standout series, with Daredevil widely considered the best of the bunch. Known for its intense violence, particularly in its signature hallway fight scenes, the series established a dark and compelling world.
Now, Daredevil: Born Again brings back that same gritty flavor. The first two episodes are currently streaming on Disney+, pitting the blind lawyer/vigilante Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox) against his arch-nemesis, the ex-crime Kingpin and current New York Mayor, Wilson Fisk (Vincent D’Onofrio).
The series strives to be a worthy successor, balancing timely political themes with the classic superhero broodiness that fans loved. However, not all critics are convinced. While I found the show engaging, TV critic Kelly Lawler gave it two stars, arguing that "it doesn’t feel quite as ambitious and exciting" as the original.
Cox and D’Onofrio recently visited our New York City studio, sharing insights into their roles. D’Onofrio recounted an anecdote about why Cox is such a fantastic Daredevil, while Cox explained that they’ve maintained the same approach to their morally ambiguous characters from the original series. "If you’ve just turned on the show in the middle of a season and you didn’t know anything about these characters, it would not be clear to you who were the good guys and who were the bad guys," he said, emphasizing the show’s commitment to exploring moral complexities.
Queen of the Ring: A Deep Dive into Wrestling History
I have expressed my passion for professional wrestling in the past. Beyond the spectacle of modern WWE shows, delving into the history of wrestling reveals a captivating narrative. From its weird, sometimes tragic, origins to its evolution over the 20th century, the business is both fascinating and compelling.
The new biopic Queen of the Ring shines a light on Mildred Burke (played by Emily Bett Rickards), a pioneering champion wrestler who competed against men in the 1930s and became a major box-office draw. The film chronicles her journey, showcasing her athleticism and determination in a male-dominated industry.
Rickards spoke about the physical demands of the role, revealing that she underwent rigorous training to match Burke’s physique and prepare for the wrestling scenes. "I was lifting dudes three times my size!" she said proudly. "A lot of the time when you’re picking up someone, they’re doing most of the work. It’s wrestling but it’s an art form, and it’s so cool."
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Do you have any thoughts, questions, ideas, concerns, compliments, or recommendations for me? Feel free to reach out via email at [email protected]. You can also connect with me on social media: I’m @briantruitt on Bluesky, Instagram, and Threads.
