▲ This undated AP photo shows director Bong Joon-ho (R) communicating with actors during the filming of "Mickey 17." (Yonhap)

 

   SEOUL, March 10 (Yonhap) --- Bong Joon-ho's latest film, "Mickey 17," debuted at No. 1 at the North American box office over the weekend, making history as the first film by a Korean director to debut in the top spot.

 

   However, its opening-weekend earnings fell short of industry projections, raising concerns over its ability to recoup its substantial production and marketing costs.

 

   According to Box Office Mojo, a U.S.-based online tracker of box-office revenue, on Sunday (U.S. time), "Mickey 17" earned US$19.1 million from 3,807 theaters in North America during its opening weekend.

 

   The American sci-fi black comedy grossed an additional $34.2 million internationally, bringing its global total to $53.3 million.

 

   Among international markets, South Korea led with the highest earnings ($9 million in its opening week), followed by France ($2.9 million) and Britain ($2.7 million).

 

   Industry analysts had initially estimated the film would earn around $20 million in its North American opening weekend. However, its actual performance has sparked concerns within Hollywood media circles about its long-term profitability.

 

   According to Variety, Warner Bros. invested $118 million in production costs and an additional $80 million in marketing. Industry insiders suggest that for "Mickey 17" to break even in its theatrical run, it would need to gross between $275 million and $300 million worldwide.

 

   "Mickey 17" has garnered significant attention in Hollywood as Bong's first film in five years following "Parasite," which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, in 2020.

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