PATTINSON PREMIERE
Bong Joon-ho‘s upcoming science fiction film, “Mickey 17,” is scheduled to debut in South Korean theaters on Feb. 28, preceding its global release by a week, Warner Bros. Korea said on Friday. The $150 million production is Bong’s first directorial effort since the Oscar-winning “Parasite.”
Pattinson is set to join Bong in Seoul on Jan. 20 to kick off the movie’s promotional tour. The duo will participate in a press conference and showcase exclusive footage at CGV Yongsan.
Based on the 2022 novel “Mickey7” by Edward Ashton, the sci-fi thriller stars Pattinson an “expendable” employee named Mickey Barnes. In the novel, Mickey is sent on dangerous missions to colonize an ice planet. When one version of Mickey dies, a duplicate is created to replace him that retains most of his memories. The cast also includes Steven Yeun, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette and Mark Ruffalo.
IRISH TV APPOINTMENT
Screen Ireland has named former Element Pictures exec Kate McColgan its head of TV, bringing more than 20 years experience across development, production and acquisitions
Popular on Variety
McColgan’s credits as a producer include “From The Dark,” “The Drummer and the Keeper,” TV series “Darklands” and “The Heist Before Christmas,” which became Sky’s most popular original in 6 years. Along Element, where she managed the company’s TV co-production slate from 2011-2014 including “Ripper Street,” McColgan has also held positions at Parallel Films, MTV and MPI Media.
“I am so delighted to be joining the incredible team at Screen Ireland — their work in supporting Irish talent is exemplary,” said McColgan. “I am also so excited to get to work with the vast array of such exciting Irish talent, both new and established. It will be an absolute honour to help our amazing nation of storytellers across TV drama and animation continue to bring their stories to worldwide audiences.”
In the role, which she starts in February, McColgan will will be responsible for the management of the Screen Ireland slate across television and animation series, from development to production. She’ll work closely with both Irish and international broadcasters and streamers to help support Irish writers, producers and directors across the process from development to broadcast.
ROLES REFRESH
Bill Kenwright‘s production of Willy Russell‘s “Blood Brothers” has confirmed casting for its spring U.K. tour dates. Sean Keany joins as Narrator and Cameron Patmore steps into the role of Perkins. Vivienne Carlyle continues as Mrs. Johnstone, with Niki Colwell Evans taking over the role for a two-week engagement at Liverpool Empire. Sean Jones and Joe Sleight remain as twins Mickey and Eddie, alongside Gemma Brodrick as Linda.
The returning ensemble includes Sarah Jane Buckley (Mrs Lyons), Tim Churchill (Mr Lyons), Chloe Pole (Donna Marie), Alex Harland (Policeman/Teacher), Graeme Kinniburgh (Postman/Bus Conductor), Jess Smith (Brenda), James Ledsham (Sammy), and Dominic Gore (Neighbor).
The narrative follows twins separated at birth who grow up on opposite sides of the tracks before meeting again with fatal results. In a desperate bid to provide for her other seven children, their mother makes a fateful pact with her wealthy employer to give up one of the twins. The show features numbers including “A Bright New Day,” “Marilyn Monroe” and “Tell Me It’s Not True.”
Russell’s musical, which began as a school play in Liverpool in 1981, has won four Best Musical awards in London and seven Tony nominations on Broadway. The production surpassed 10,000 West End performances, joining only two other musicals to reach this milestone.
The U.K. tour continues through April.