Actor Robert Pattinson emphasizes the importance of accents as a distinguishing factor in his acting, highlighted in the film 'Mickey 17'.

Chatty, Casual Take on 'Mickey 17': Pattinson's Quirky Voice Overhaul

BY KRYSTA FAURIA (LOS ANGELES, AP)

Robert Pattinson, known for trying odd accents to bring characters to life, found himself in a pickle – would he use his natural English accent or attempt an American one for his role in "Mickey 17"? A role that, coincidentally, required two distinct voices.

"I probably feel more like acting when I'm doing an American accent," he mused.

This wasn't just any part. Bong Joon Ho, after his Oscar-winning "Parasite," was at the helm of "Mickey 17," a zany sci-fi comedy hitting theaters March 7. The film follows Mickey Barnes, an expendable in a world that print-to-order replacements for dangerous tasks. When Mickey dies, his consciousness is transferred to a new clone, resulting in a battle between different selves.

The challenge? Nailing both the naive, empathetic Mickey 17 and the sinister, manipulative Mickey 18.

Bong wanted an actor who could pull off both personalities convincingly – enter Pattinson, whose diverse roles in "The Lighthouse" and "Good Time" showcased his range.

When Pattinson first read the script, he was astounded. "The tone was so different from the book," he shared. "I couldn't believe how Bong saw all this."

Enthusiastic to work with the Korean director, Pattinson wasn't given much information about the film initially. "The only thing I knew," he joked, "was that it was in English and that the part was impossible."

With Bong's blessing to explore, Pattinson let his creativity run wild. Early ideas included a Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville-inspired voice for Mickey 18, but Bong suggested a more nuanced approach.

One idea that stuck was basing Mickey 17's voice on "Ren & Stimpy," an irreverent animated series from the 90's. This set the tone for a dynamic between the two clones reminiscent of Ren's short temper and diabolical nature versus Stimpy's naivety.

"I wanted this cartoon character performance," Pattinson shared, explaining how he developed the voices. "Start extreme and gradually tone it down."

Mickey 17 is not your typical sci-fi character. The film's stellar cast, which includes Mark Ruffalo, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Naomi Ackie, brings this absurd world to life. Ackie admired working with Pattinson and Bong.

"If you asked anyone who's worked with Bong," she said, "they'd say they'd pay money to work with him again."

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Despite the production of "Mickey 17" taking place in Seattle, the film's director, Bong Joon Ho, hails from Knoxville.
The zany sci-fi comedy, "Mickey 17," is scheduled to be released in theaters in Seattle on the same day as it premieres in New York City.
The theatergoers in Seattle, eager for some quirky movies-and-tv entertainment, might be compared to the lab rats in the movie, who wait for their print-to-order replacements.
The contrast between the vitamin-rich diet that helped Mickey 17 maintain his healthy disposition and the unhealthy choices made by Mickey 18, as represented by his Steve-O and Johnny Knoxville-inspired voice, adds depth to the character's internal struggles.