4 weeks ago
Academy Award-nominated actress Toni Collette is set to captivate audiences once again with her portrayal of Ylfa in Mickey 17 directed by the visionary Bong Joon-ho. In a recent Q&A, Collette offered an enticing glimpse into her character, the film’s dynamic creative process, and her experience working with an all-star cast including Mark Ruffalo, Robert Pattinson, and Naomi Ackie.
Toni Collette calls Mickey 17 director Bong Joon-ho “Sweet, easygoing”: “It was a wild ride”
Ylfa, as Collette describes her, is a multifaceted figure: “She’s sweet, uber smooth, manipulative, obsessive, flirty, conservative, and completely in love with her equally narcissistic husband, Kenneth.” Married to the commander of a spaceship bound for the distant planet Niflheim, Ylfa is a pivotal character in this ambitious deep-space colonization narrative. “I find her hysterical,” Collette admitted, revealing that the originality of the script instantly drew her to the role. “It was a wild ride, and I devoured it. I knew I could have some proper fun with Ylfa.”
The film marks Collette’s first collaboration with Bong, a director she’s long admired. Their initial Zoom meeting left her starstruck: “I was very nervous because I’m such a fan. But he was so sweet and easygoing. He cut straight to the point and asked me to be in the movie. I was blown away.” Subsequent discussions over lunch allowed Collette to delve into Ylfa’s relationship with her husband, Kenneth, played by Mark Ruffalo. “It was such a wild script, so I was relieved to get that time to get a grip on the tone,” she said, emphasizing the film’s unique, indescribable vibe. “There is nothing to compare it to—much like Director Bong himself.”
On set, Bong fostered a “safe and explorative” atmosphere, balancing precision with creative freedom. “Bong is super clear about what he wants but also encourages freedom and play,” Collette explained. The filming process, often relying on storyboards rather than full scenes, was a novel experience she grew to love. “You can really focus in and perfect incremental moments.”
Collette had high praise for Ruffalo, who plays Kenneth, Ylfa’s “immature, selfish, ignorant, hardline, unevolved, sexy husband.” She gushed, “Mark is amazing. As an acting partner, and as a person. I absolutely love him. He’s so relaxed and funny—surprisingly hilarious—and just so warm.” Their onscreen dynamic, a blend of youthful sweetness and subtle power plays, was shaped by Bong’s directive to infuse it with a charged, intimate energy. “He said he wanted it to feel like we’d just bonked or were about to,” Collette laughed. “Ylfa’s like a ‘50s housewife… but surreptitiously steering him in the direction she wants.”
The cast is rounded out by Robert Pattinson as Mickey Barnes and Naomi Ackie as his fiercely protective companion, Nasha. Collette lauded Pattinson’s transformative talent—“His two Mickeys are vastly different people. He’s just ridiculously talented”—and Ackie’s grounded authenticity: “She’s so warm and earthy. So funny and normal whilst also being extraordinary.”
So, what can audiences expect from this enigmatic film? “There are no words that fully capture it,” Collette teased. “You just have to experience it.” She attributes Bong’s global appeal to his ability to weave “authenticity, originality, wisdom, heart, and fun” into his work—qualities that promise to make this sci-fi epic another unforgettable addition to his oeuvre.
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