In 1999, Universal Pictures released “The Mummy” directed by Stephen Sommers. It starred Oscar-winner Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, and Arnold Vosloo. To mark its 25th anniversary, the film will be heading back to theaters later this month!
“The Mummy” takes place in 1926, and follows an unlikely group of adventurers looking to claim a long-lost Egyptian treasure. Trouble arises when the group accidentally awakens the ancient high priest of Egypt, Imhotep. Still angry about his death, and probably suffering from a gnarly nap hangover, the mummy goes on a killing spree. Unleashing plague upon plague on Egypt as he seeks to resurrect his true love.
This movie balanced a serious story about love and betrayal with light-hearted, campy humor. Its writing and all-star cast immediately made it a huge hit, raking in $416 million at the global box office. “The Mummy” spawned several sequels, spin-offs, and even an animated series.
(You can pick up the main trilogy on 4K via Amazon here.)
Ongoing Franchise
“The Mummy: The Animated Series” ran on WB Kids from 2001 to 2003. 2001’s live-action film “The Mummy Returns” introduced WWE star Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson to the main cast. The next year, Johnson starred in the spin-off “The Scorpion King.” Jet Li and Michelle Yeoh starred alongside Fraser in 2008’s “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”
The franchise laid dormant until it received a much darker reboot in 2017 starring Tom Cruise. Universal tried to use it as a flagship to kick off its planned Dark Universe cinematic universe. Despite its star power and budget, it was a box office flop.
“The Mummy” will return to select theaters for a limited run starting April 26th. Tickets are available from Fandango here.
