Director Bong Joon-ho has responded to rumors suggesting that Mark Ruffalo’s antagonist role in *Mickey 17* was influenced by Donald Trump. In a recent interview with *Entertainment Weekly*, the acclaimed filmmaker clarified that the character, Kenneth Marshall, is not based on any single individual but rather draws inspiration from a blend of historical political figures and dictators.
Joon-ho explained, “When we screened the film in Berlin and spoke with audiences from various countries, it seemed like people were associating Marshall with the most troubling political leaders from their own contexts.” He emphasized that the character was designed to reflect a broader archetype rather than a specific person.
The director, known for his work on *Parasite* and *Okja*, further revealed that Marshall and his on-screen wife, portrayed by Toni Collette, were inspired by notorious political couples such as Romania’s Ceaușescus and the Philippines’ Marcoses. “There’s something both absurd and chilling about dictators who operate as couples. It amplifies their absurdity while making them even more intimidating,” Joon-ho remarked.
Mark Ruffalo, who plays the ambitious and power-driven leader in the film, also addressed the comparisons during an appearance on *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*. Reflecting on the role, he quipped, “We filmed this three years ago, and at the time, I thought the character was exaggerated. Now, it feels like we didn’t go far enough.”
*Mickey 17*, starring Robert Pattinson, is set to hit theaters on March 7. Based on Edward Ashton’s novel *Mickey7*, the story revolves around a replaceable employee sent on a mission to colonize an icy planet, exploring themes of identity and survival.
