Mickey 17’s Accent: Why Robert Pattinson’s Voice Stands Out

Nivedita Dubey
March 14, 2025

Key Points:

Robert Pattinson’s accent in Mickey 17 is a standout feature, adding humor and depth to his dual performance as Mickey 17 and Mickey 18.
Steve Buscemi’s Fargo character unintentionally inspired Pattinson’s voice, which he only realized after filming.
Pattinson’s use of distinct accents continues his trend of vocal versatility, seen in past roles like Good Time, The Rover, and The King.

Robert Pattinson’s Mickey 17 Accent Is Hilarious

How Pattinson’s Voice Adds to Mickey’s Character

In Mickey 17, Robert Pattinson’s voice choice is one of the most unexpected yet memorable elements of his performance. Unlike his deep and brooding tone in The Batman, Pattinson’s Mickey 17 voice is high-pitched, slightly squeaky, and has a distinct New York-inspired twang. This voice enhances the comedic elements of his character, making Mickey’s dialogue and internal monologues more amusing.

Pattinson has used altered voices before, but his portrayal of Mickey stands out due to its unique combination of vulnerability and humor. The accent makes Mickey seem both endearing and a little hapless, which works well given his role as an Expendable—a human worker whose entire job revolves around dying and being replaced.

Comparison to His Other Roles

Fans familiar with Pattinson’s previous performances may notice that Mickey 17’s accent closely resembles his voice in Good Time (2017). In that film, Pattinson played Connie Nikas, a fast-talking, streetwise New Yorker with a similarly high-pitched and nasally tone. This accent was effective in Good Time and works just as well in Mickey 17, reinforcing the character’s anxious and slightly out-of-his-depth demeanor.

Steve Buscemi’s Fargo Character Was the Unintended Inspiration

Mickey 17 – Official ‘Unknown Virus’ Clip _ IGN

Pattinson’s Surprise Realization About His Own Accent Choice

During an interview, Pattinson admitted that he didn’t consciously model his Mickey 17 accent after Steve Buscemi, but he later realized the connection. According to him:

“We were doing an interview earlier and Bong [Joon-ho] said one of the thoughts he was having for [Mickey] 18 was Peter Stormare from Fargo. And then I think how that went into my head was to do Steve Buscemi as 17.”

Steve Buscemi’s Carl Showalter in Fargo is known for his frantic, almost desperate way of speaking, and Pattinson’s Mickey 17 carries a similar energy. The revelation even reached Buscemi himself, who was shocked but flattered:

“I’m kind of blown away that happened. I’m not sure if that’s what he meant or if he was inspired by my accent, my voice or the way my character spoke. Without seeing the film, I’m not sure what he’s referring to but I’m blown away by it.”

This unexpected link between Mickey 17 and Fargo adds another layer of depth to Pattinson’s performance.

Robert Pattinson’s History of Experimenting with Accents

A Trend of Unique Vocal Performances

Pattinson is known for shifting his voice depending on the role, making him one of the few actors who rarely sticks to his natural British accent. Unlike actors such as Denzel Washington or Mark Wahlberg, who often maintain their usual voice across roles, Pattinson regularly experiments with different vocal deliveries. Some of his most notable accent performances include:

Good Time (2017): High-pitched New York accent, similar to Mickey 17.
The Rover (2014): Southern American drawl, fitting his drifter character.
The King (2019): French accent, playing The Dauphin of France.
The Batman (2022): Deep, brooding voice, adding to Bruce Wayne’s mysterious persona.
The Boy and the Heron (2023): Voice acting as The Grey Heron, further showcasing his vocal adaptability.

This trend of distinct voices highlights his versatility as an actor. With Mickey 17, Pattinson continues his streak of making bold and memorable choices.

Why Pattinson’s Accent in Mickey 17 Works So Well

Pattinson’s voice choice in Mickey 17 adds a layer of humor and personality to the film, making the character’s experiences as an Expendable even more entertaining. His accidental inspiration from Steve Buscemi brings an unexpected but effective comedic element to the role. Moreover, Mickey 17 reinforces Pattinson’s reputation for experimenting with accents, further proving his adaptability as an actor.

Whether intentional or not, Pattinson’s Mickey 17 accent has become a defining feature of the film, ensuring that his performance stands out in Bong Joon-ho’s sci-fi dark comedy.

Source: Variety and THR