The Mummy
Summary
TheMummyseries is an adventuresome franchise that has catch the imagination of viewers around the world , largely thanks to its period mise en scene . in the beginning inspired by the definitive Universal Pictures repulsion picture of the same name from 1932 , the contemporary serial publication reinvented itself in 1999 , deliver action , suspense , and a impertinent spin on Egyptian mythology . The dealership follows the make bold effort of explorer , gem hunters , and a warrior from ancient metre as they battle supernatural military force waken from ancient tomb .
Over the years , the series has evolved into a sprawl saga that includes multiple movies , a spinoff prequel series , and even a reboot attempt to plunge a new shared universe . This cinematic journeying through deserts , tombs , and mythical realms offers everything from thrilling action sequence to comedic moment and enchanting characters . With each movie add layers to the dealership ’s traditional knowledge , ascertain theMummyseries in both chronological and release date ordination provides unequalled perspectives .
The Mummy was first released on May 7 , 1999 , begging the question of why a 4th film in the beloved franchise has still not happened 25 years afterwards .
The Mummy Series In Chronological Order
The Scorpion King Is Set Thousands Of Years Before The Mummy
Chronological Order of the Mummy Series
film
Release Date
Custom image by Stephen Barker
Year The Movie Takes Place
The Scorpion King(2002 )
April 19 , 2002
3000 BC
The Mummy(1999 )
May 7 , 1999
1926
The Mummy Returns(2001 )
May 4 , 2001
1933
The Mummy : Tomb of the Dragon Emperor(2008 )
August 1 , 2008
1946
The Mummy(2017 )
June 9 , 2017
Present Day
In 1999 Brendan Fraser ’s The Mummy was a spectacular blockbuster sensation , but with every subsequence movie and reboot , the enfranchisement get worse and bad .
The Scorpion King (2002)
Set In 3000 BC
Cast
The Scorpio the Scorpion King , localise in 3000 BC , serves as a prequel toThe Mummy Returnsand turn over into the backstory of Mathayus , who would later become get it on as the Scorpion King , the independent resister of theMummysequel . Directed by Chuck Russell and asterisk Dwayne " The Rock " Johnson in his first lead part , the motion picture follows Mathayus , a skilled Akkadian bravo hired to carry off the sorceress Cassandra ( Kelly Hu ) , who aids the ruthless warlord Memnon ( Steven Brand ) in his quest for domination .
The Scorpio Kingexplores the source storyand the Scorpion King ’s mythos , providing a important backstory to the villainous character precede inThe Mummy Returns . Itpaints a moving picture of how Mathayus transformed from a imposing warrior into a cursed figureafter being betrayed and depart to perish in the desert . While largely independent of theMummyseries , the plastic film expands the universe ’s mythology by offer a glance into ancient Mesopotamian cultivation and lore .
Dwayne Johnson ’s charismatic performance as Mathayus catapulted him to stardom and established him as a leading action hero . The chemistry between Johnson and Hu brings profoundness to their characters ' evolving relationship , while the supporting cast injects moments of humor and chumminess . Despite sundry critical reviews , particularly regarding the moving-picture show ’s predictable plot and formulaic activeness , The Scorpion Kingproved to be a small-scale commercial success , gross over $ 165.8 million worldwide against a $ 60 million budget(viaThe Numbers ) .
The Scorpion Kingspawned four direct - to - picture continuation , though none of them feature Dwayne Johnson .
With Disney ’s Jungle Cruise potential to give up off another dealership for The Rock , which Dwayne Johnson movie series is best so far ?
The Mummy (1999)
Set In 1926
Stephen Sommers’The Mummyrevitalized the Graeco-Roman monster moving-picture show writing style by infusing it with a intermixture of action , adventure , and humor . Set in 1926 , the film follow Rick O’Connell ( Brendan Fraser ) , a charismatic American adventurer , and Evelyn Carnahan ( Rachel Weisz ) , an ambitious British librarian , as they team up up to obtain the lost city of Hamunaptra . attach to them is Evelyn ’s brother , Jonathan ( John Hannah ) , who has a knack for discover trouble . Soon enough , they encounter a mathematical group of treasure hunters who inadvertently unleash Imhotep ( Arnold Vosloo ) , an ancient Egyptian high non-Christian priest cursed with immortality and unimaginable power after betraying the Pharaoh .
Set in the other 20th century , The Mummytakes place in a catamenia marked by burgeon interest in Egyptologyand archaeological exploration . Against this historic backcloth , The Mummyexplores the crash between contemporaneousness and ancient mythology . The expedition to Hamunaptra is not only a lookup for treasure but also a confrontation with the mystery of the past . Rick and Evelyn ’s develop human relationship adds an emotional core to the story as they move from loth pardner to devoted allies . The moving picture sets the stage for recur case , themes , and the adventurous tone that defines the franchise .
The Mummywas a critical and commercial victory , grossing over $ 418 million worldwide against an $ 80 million budget , making itBrendan Fraser ’s highest - grossing movie . critic praise the film ’s mixing of suspense , action , and humor , as well as its telling special upshot and set objet d’art . Brendan Fraser ’s portrayal of the dashing yet humourous Rick O’Connell was wide lauded , and Rachel Weisz ’s performance as the bookish but brave Evelyn won her considerable plaudits .
The Mummyset a raw benchmark for adventure movies at the twist of the millennium . By blending Indiana Jones - vogue adventure with Universal ’s Greco-Roman horror element , it created a unique recess in the legal action literary genre . However , Universal almost took a much more traditional access , as threedifferent iconic horror manager almost directedThe Mummy . George A. Romero , Joe Dante , and Clive Barker were all attached to the movie at one stage . manufacturer James Jacks commented on Barker ’s vision of the plastic film :
“ coloured sexual , and fill with mysticism ” and would have been “ a outstanding low - budget movie ”
Ultimately , the movie ’s action - adventure influence extend beyond the immediate franchise , inspiring other studio to develop their own adventure - revulsion hybrids , such asVan HelsingandPirates of the Caribbean : The Curse of the Black Pearl . Sommers ' reimagining of the definitive monster provided a blueprint for reinvigorating sometime cinematic properties , makingThe Mummya groundwork in modern goliath movie history .
The Mummyis available to stream on Peacock .
This 1999 fad classic is full of many interesting adaptations of ancient Egyptian mythology and chronicle , and Seti I is a smart and complex example .
The Mummy Returns (2001)
Set In 1933
The Mummy Returns , also direct by Stephen Sommers , establish upon the foundation put by its predecessor . Set seven years afterThe Mummy , the subsequence follow Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan , now married and live in London with their precocious son , Alex ( Freddie Boath ) . When an ancient bracelet bind itself to Alex ’s articulatio radiocarpea , the home finds themselves in a race against time to stop the Resurrection of Christ of the dread Scorpion King ( Dwayne " The Rock " Johnson ) .
In 1933,Rick and Evelyn discover the Bracelet of Anubis , an ancient artefact that links its wearer to the Scorpion King . Imhotep ( Arnold Vosloo ) , newly resurrected by a furore lead by Meela Nais ( Patricia Velasquez ) , the reincarnation of his lover Anck - Su - Namun , seeks to defeat the Scorpion King and command his invincible US Army to rule the world . When Alex unwittingly puts on the Bracelet of Anubis , he is tag for death , compelling the O’Connells andMedjai ( Oded Fehr)to journey across Egypt to the Oasis of Ahm Shere , where the Scorpio King ’s Great Pyramid rest hidden .
The Mummy Returnssignificantly expands the series ' mythology , introducing novel character and ancient traditional knowledge . The concept of renascence toy a pivotal role , with Evelyn revealed to be the reincarnation of Nefertiri , an ancient Egyptian princess . This connection to Nefertiri leads to afierce rivalry with Anck - Su - Namunand intensify Evelyn ’s involvement in the story . Rick ’s undiscovered past is suggest at with the reveal of a tattoo symbolizing his fate to face the Scorpio King . This revelationpositions him as more than just a treasure hunter but a poor boy with a fate lace with ancient prophecies .
Despite motley critical reviews , The Mummy Returnswasa commercial success , grossing over $ 435 million worldwide . Critics praise the motion-picture show ’s special consequence , detailed set patch , and the chemistry between Fraser and Weisz . However , some noted the film ’s reliance on CGI and its tight - paced narrative as detracting factor . The Scorpio the Scorpion King ’s CGI has aged specially badly , but Brendan Fraser humorously defended it :
“ I know , I know , be kind . The Guy who did the CGI of the Scorpion King , at the premiere , they were like , ‘ hey , how are you , serious job . You know , we did the CG for the Scorpion King . ’ And they kind of went , ‘ yeah , we needed a little more clip [ Laughs ] before we … ’ But it was very last minute , I do n’t know . But some of the good luck charm of it is that when you watch it now , like it could get remastered I guess , but it kinda would n’t be as fun if you did n’t see this sort of janky video type of Dwayne going ‘ rawwwh . ’ [ Laughs ] And somehow , it ’s just perfect , how things work out . ”
One of the most talked - about aspects of the photographic film was the introduction ofDwayne Johnson as the Scorpio King , whose forcible mien was strong enough to lead to a successful spinoff . The Mummy Returnsplayed a polar role in solidify the franchise ’s ethnical bequest , conserve the adventuresome heart and humor of the original while diversify its fabulous cosmos . The movie ’s climactic battle between Imhotep and the Scorpion King persist iconic .
The Mummy Returnsis usable to stream on Peacock .
Several uncomfortable truths are uncover when rewatching Brandan Fraser ’s beloved The Mummy trilogy , march how ill it has age .
The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor (2008)
Set In 1946
The Mummy : Tomb of the Dragon Emperorshifted from Egyptian mythology to the mysticism of ancient China . Directed by Rob Cohen , the film takes place in 1946and succeed the O’Connell family as they face a new supernatural adversary : the Dragon Emperor ( Jet Li ) , an ancient Chinese warlord cursed and entombed for over two millennia . Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan - O’Connell ( now Maria Bello ) are now retire from their adventuring life style . Their son Alex O’Connell ( Luke Ford ) has followed in their footfall , work as an archeologist . While exploring a tomb in China , Alex accidentally waken the damned Dragon Emperor .
The Dragon Emperor , once a remorseless swayer seek immortality , is revived with the ability to shapeshift into various forms . He aims to regain his full power by progress to Shangri - La and drinking from the mystical waters of eternal life sentence . His pursuance for eternal liveliness mirrors Imhotep ’s motivation in the previous movies , providing continuity in the serial publication ' musical theme of Christ’s Resurrection and immortality . The O’Connell kinsperson , joined by Evelyn ’s brother Jonathan ( John Hannah ) and an enigmatic guardian name Lin ( Isabella Leong ) , must prevent the Dragon Emperor from achieve his goal .
The motion picture expands the mythology of theMummyuniverse by introducing Formosan supernatural elements like the Terracotta Army , abominable snowman , and the mystic city of Shangri - La. However , despite its endeavor to freshen the serial , the threequelwas met with mixed - to - negative reviews from critics . Many praise the film ’s especial effects , activeness sequences , and ocular nobleness but criticized its screenplay , tempo , and deficiency of chemistry between the characters . Maria Bello ’s portrayal of Evelyn was also size up , asfans missedThe Mummy’sRachel Weiszin the role . There is n’t a determinate grounds why Weisz did n’t pass , but film director Rob Cohen revealed ( viaSlashFilm ):
" I get a very angry earpiece call from her agentive role , say she ’ll never dally the mother of a 21 - year - old . I enjoin , ' Okay , good , fine , bye . ' "
The movie , however , was a commercial-grade achiever , grossing over $ 405.7 million worldwide against a budget of $ 145 million . Brendan Fraser remained a high spot with his characteristic portmanteau word of charm and action - paladin bravado . to boot , Jet Li ’s portrayal of the Dragon Emperor and Michelle Yeoh ’s part as the immortal sorceress Zi Yuan added star power to the cast , highlighting the motion picture ’s dream to diversify the franchise .
The Mummy : Tomb of the Dragon Emperormarked the last installment in the originalMummytrilogy . While a verbatim sequel was never produce , fans were peculiar about what the O’Connell family might have explore next , giventhe film ’s closing , which suggest at a potential adventure in Peru .
The Mummy : Tomb of the Dragon Emperor(2008 ) is available to rent on Apple TV , Google Play , YouTube , and Amazon Prime Video .
Michelle Yeoh ’s remarkable acting career has consistently delivered action - packed and memorable carrying into action , making her filmography one of best .
The Mummy (2017)
Set In The Present Day
Universal Pictures sought to reboot theMummyfranchise with the 2017 motion-picture show direct by Alex Kurtzman . intend to be the cornerstone of the studio apartment ’s ambitious Dark Universe , a shared cinematic cosmos of classic teras characters , The Mummy aimed to immix horror with blockbuster action and impart the beloved series into a modern setting . The flick follow Nick Morton ( Tom Cruise ) , who accidentally uncovers the tomb of Princess Ahmanet ( Boutella ) . Ahmanet is an Egyptian princess who was betray and bury alive after her plans for world supremacy were foil .
Awakened in the twenty-first century , she attempt to fill in her original commission by finding a human vessel for Set and work mayhem upon the world . The introduction of Prodigium , a secret beau monde give to take and stop supernatural threats , hinted at a big cinematic universe sport iconic monster like Dracula , Frankenstein ’s Monster , and the Invisible Man . Dr. Jekyll , portray by Russell Crowe , service as the organization ’s leader and an ominous figure whose dual nature foreshadowed the potential danger of the Dark Universe .
Despite the ambitious concept , The Mummyreceived generally negatively charged review from critic . It was criticise for its lack of clean identity , waver between repugnance and activity - adventure without find a logical tone . The heavy use of CGI and the underdeveloped storyline were also points of tilt . The film gross $ 409 million worldwide against a production budget of $ 125 million . While this was a respectable sum , it fell myopic of the high expectations fix by Universal for the launch of its Dark Universe . DirectorAlex Kurtzman calledThe Mummyhis big nonstarter , noting :
The Mummywas meant to redefine Universal ’s monster legacy for a unexampled generation , butits failure to resonate critically lead to the speedy crash of the Dark Universe . The film ’s lackluster receptionforced Universal to abandon the shared universeconcept and rethink its approach to the classical lusus naturae properties . Its failure , however , actuate renewed pastime in exploring more focussed , standalone adaptations of classic giant story . Universal pivoted to a unlike model , producing the highly successfulThe Invisible Manand the uproarious horror comedyRenfield , both of which prioritized storytelling over interconnected universes .
The Mummy 2
The Bride of Frankenstein
Frankenstein ’s Monster
The Invisible Man
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
Dracula Untold 2
Van Helsing
The Mummy(2017 ) is uncommitted to rent on Apple TV , Google Play , YouTube , and Amazon Prime Video .
A Mummy bequest continuation could not only connect Brendan Fraser and Dwayne Johnson onscreen , but it can also redeem the latter ’s anti - hero Scorpion King .
The Mummy Series In Release Date Order
2017’s The Mummy Is The Latest Movie In The Franchise
The Release parliamentary law Of The Mummy Series
Worldwide Box Office Gross
Rotten Tomatoes Score
$ 418 million
62 %
The Mummy proceeds
$ 435 million
46 %
The Scorpion King
$ 165.8 million
41 %
The Mummy : Tomb of the Dragon Emperor
$ 405.7 million
13 %
$ 409.9 million
15 %
check theMummyseries in release day of the month order supply the reward of following the filmmakers ' evolving vision for the franchise . The movies capture different eras of filmmaking , from the late 1990s military action - dangerous undertaking style to the present - day emphasis on shared universes and mythology edifice . This order showcases the series ' changing tones and themes , providing an understanding of how it accommodate to shifting audience preferences and industry trends . Despite vary critical reception , the enfranchisement stay on an adventuresome journeying through cinematic history , blend ancient mythology with contemporary storytelling .
source : The Numbers , SlashFilm
