Director Bong Joon Ho recently spoke about the character Kenneth Marshall , played by Mark Ruffalo in Mickey 17 , and addressed speculation that the role was inspired by former U.S. President Donald Trump .
In a conversation with Entertainment Weekly, the Oscar-winning director explained that Marshall was not based on any one person but rather a mix of various political figures throughout history. Bong acknowledged that some viewers might see similarities between Ruffalo’s character and Trump, but he suggested that these connections were more about personal perceptions than intentional references.
He mentioned that when the film was screened at the Berlin International Film Festival , audience members from different countries associated the character with their own controversial political leaders .
The director also pointed out the significance of Marshall’s wife, played by Toni Collette , in shaping his character. He compared their dynamic to infamous political couples in history, such as Nicolae and Elena Ceaușescu from Romania and Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos from the Philippines. Bong noted that when dictators operate as couples, their presence often feels even more unsettling and absurd. He described their relationship in the film as "true love," though in a dark and unsettling way.
Mark Ruffalo also weighed in on the discussion during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. The actor shared that when they filmed Mickey 17 three years ago, he felt he was exaggerating the role. However, given recent political developments, he now believes his performance may have actually been understated. He jokingly remarked that playing the character felt like making a documentary rather than acting.
While some viewers see a connection to Trump, Bong Joon Ho maintains that Kenneth Marshall is a blend of different political leaders known for their power-hungry and authoritarian tendencies. The film, which is set in a futuristic world, explores themes of leadership, control, and the consequences of unchecked power.