Warning: SPOILERS forMickey 17andMickey7.DespiteMickey 17referring to its titular character as part of what sounds like a larger Expendables Program, the movie never directly states that there are any other Expendables besides Mickey Barnes amongMickey 17’s characters. But there’s a very good reason why no other Expendables are shown, and whyMickey 17’s endingsuggests there are no Expendables left in the known universe. However, a full understanding of the Expendables Program and Mickey’s place therein requires a bit of knowledge provided only in Edward Ashton’s novelMickey7.
One of the most significant amongMickey 17’s book differencesis that Niflheim is implied to be the only colony outside of Earth, whereas Earth isn’t even confirmed to still exist in the novel. Over the course of Ashton’s book, Mickey researches numerous other colonies and even mentions at least one other Expendable by name. While the movie does make drastic changes to the source material, what little it retains makes it quite clear why Mickey seems to be the only person occupying what appears to be such a vital role in ensuring successful colonization.
Mickey Barnes Is The Only Person Who Volunteered To Be An Expendable
He Didn’t Even Really Understand What He Was Signing Up For
It’s established fairly early inMickey7that a colony can only afford one Expendable at a time because of the huge amount of resources it takes to print each new iteration.Mickey 17doesn’t often state directly that Niflheim is struggling to manage its resources, but it’s made rather clear by their frequently mentioned calorie restrictions. But even ifMickey 17’s Expendables Programcould afford to hire multiple volunteers, the harsh reality is that literally no one but Mickey signed up for the job.
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The book explains that there’s an easy way around this. When a colony can’t find an Expendable, they simply draft a convict. But sincethe movie changes the story to make bio-printing illegal on Earth, it’s not clear that such a draft would even be allowed prior to the colonization voyage’s flight. And since the movie narrates throughRobert Pattinson’sRen & Stimpyimpressionthat Mickey didn’t even fully understand the requirements of the job, it’s pretty understandable that no one who did read the fine print would want to be subjected to horrific medical experiments over and over again.
The Was Another Set Of Multiples On Earth Before They Were Banned
Using Clones To Get Away With Murder Is Apparently Taboo
If there can’t be more than one Expendable, it seems like at least printing out more than one Mickey would help streamline the colony’s horrific medical research. Not to mention thatMark Ruffalo’s Kenneth Marshallannounces plans for a sexual encouragement program, and there’s nothing more sexually encouraging than a colony where every guy looks like Batman, a vampire, and a dead wizard all at once. ButMickey 17explains multiples aren’t allowed, ever since bio-printing pioneer Alan Manikova used clones of himself to create alibis while murdering homeless people.
Is Mickey 17’s Villain A Parody Of Donald Trump?
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Ashton’sMickey7goes to an even further extreme, with Manikova using his clones to populate an entire colony in an apparent attempt to take over the universe. When he becomes enough of a threat that the Union has no choice but to destroy a whole planet, people become a little wary of letting that sort of thing happen again.Mickey 17doesn’t go to this level of absurdity, but one thing remains clear. Expendables may be necessary, but they’re still treated with extreme caution. One is already enough, and two are more than anyone’s willing to take a risk on.
Mickey 17
Cast
Mickey 17 is a science fiction film following Mickey Barnes, who faces an unusual employment situation with his job demanding a life-threatening level of commitment. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice and survival as Mickey navigates the complex challenges posed by his unique professional obligations.
