Los Angeles: Bong Joon-ho’s latest film, “Mickey 17,” made a historic debut at No. 1 at the North American box office over the weekend, marking the first time a film by a Korean director has taken the top spot. However, its earnings fell short of industry expectations, raising questions about its financial viability.

According to Yonhap News Agency, “Mickey 17” earned $19.1 million from 3,807 theaters across North America during its opening weekend, as reported by Box Office Mojo. The film, an American sci-fi black comedy, brought in an additional $34.2 million internationally, leading to a global total of $53.3 million.

Internationally, South Korea emerged as the leading market with $9 million in its opening week, followed by France at $2.9 million and Britain at $2.7 million. In South Korea, the film has remained at the top of the box office for 10 consecutive days since its premiere on February 28, drawing over 2 million viewers.

“Mickey 17” is an adaptation of Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey7,” featuring Robert Pattinson as a young man burdened by debt who becomes an “expendable” in an intergalactic expedition. The film explores the concept of laborers who are destined to die only to be revived through advanced “reprinting” technology.

Initial industry predictions had pegged the film’s North American opening weekend earnings at around $20 million. However, the actual figures have sparked concerns in Hollywood media about the film’s ability to achieve long-term profitability.

According to Variety, Warner Bros. invested $118 million in the film’s production and an additional $80 million in marketing. Insiders suggest that “Mickey 17” would need to gross between $275 million and $300 million globally to break even during its theatrical run.

The film has drawn significant attention in Hollywood as Bong Joon-ho’s first project since the critically acclaimed “Parasite,” which garnered four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, in 2020.