Action Fans Are Finally Rediscovering Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy 26 Years Later

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Brendan Fraser is generating buzz for his new film, *Rental Family*, coming out in November 2025. He plays Philip, a man who takes on the unique job of pretending to be a family member after years of unemployment in Japan. Fraser has experienced a significant career resurgence in recent years, culminating in an Academy Award win after first gaining prominence in the late 90s and early 2000s. While audiences are excited about his future projects, many still cherish his performance in one particularly beloved film.

The 1999 film *The Mummy* brought the classic Universal Monsters back to life, reimagining the original 1930s movie with updated special effects and a faster pace. Directed by Stephen Sommers, it transformed the series into an action-packed horror adventure, leading to two follow-up films and even a cartoon series. Even now, nearly 30 years later, *The Mummy* continues to be a popular and influential film that new audiences are still enjoying.

Brendan Fraser’s Most Well-Known Role Is Trending

I’ve always been a huge fan of this movie – I think it’s one of the most thrilling adventure films from the early 2000s. But it’s been getting a *lot* of buzz lately, even hitting the top ten on Peacock! I think there are a couple of reasons why this 26-year-old film is having a moment. First, it’s amazing to see Brendan Fraser back in the spotlight after a long break. But honestly, I think a whole new generation is discovering it for the first time, and they’re loving it – it’s getting the appreciation it maybe deserved all along.

The movie *The Mummy* follows Evelyn (Evie), a bookish librarian with a thirst for adventure, and her brother Jonathan as they travel to the ancient Egyptian city of Hamunaptra. They team up with Rick O’Connell, a former soldier who knows the way, and join a larger group of explorers all hoping to find treasure and fame. But their expedition goes wrong when Evie accidentally reads from a magical book, bringing back to life the cursed mummy Imhotep. Imhotep plans to use Evie’s body to revive his lost love.

Okay, let’s talk about *The Mummy*. While the filmmakers definitely took some liberties with historical accuracy – especially how archaeology was done back in the 1920s – I was genuinely impressed by how much *did* feel right. They clearly put effort into respecting the ancient Egyptian language, and weaving in real historical figures into this fantastical, supernatural story was a smart move. What really makes this movie work is the blend of everything – the adventure, the action, the supernatural thrills, and even a slowly developing romance. It’s a unique combination that appeals to a lot of different viewers. Despite a somewhat middling 63% score on Rotten Tomatoes, *The Mummy* remains a hugely popular and beloved film from the ’90s, and honestly, its popularity has only grown over time.

The Mummy Is An action Icon That Has Set the Standards Across Genres

The 1999 film, *The Mummy*, significantly influenced the action movie landscape, particularly stories centered around adventures in historical settings. It’s also widely considered a thrilling and frightening film, building suspense through supernatural elements, ancient curses, and the risks of seeking forbidden knowledge. Released in the late ’90s, the movie was groundbreaking for its visual effects, combining CGI, animatronics, and practical prosthetics in a way that still captivates audiences today.

Many viewers miss a key element of *The Mummy*: its surprisingly impactful romantic subplot. Beyond the developing love story between Evie and O’Connell, the film explores the unsettling obsession Imhotep has for his deceased lover – a woman with whom he made a deal to revive after she died by suicide following their involvement in the Pharaoh’s murder. Although action fans might not prioritize this romantic angle, it’s essential to the film’s core themes and helped broaden its appeal.

Beyond its many strengths, the humor in *The Mummy* is a key reason why it’s such a beloved film. The funny interactions between the characters are a highlight, leading to countless memorable quotes and memes that are still popular today. Modern audiences especially appreciate the playful banter within the group. This combination of factors has kept the movie entertaining for viewers of all ages, and its popularity continues to grow as certain themes resonate with contemporary audiences.

Many Viewers Don’t Know the Origin of the Film

If you don’t typically watch horror, you might not be aware of a classic black-and-white monster movie from 1932 with the same title. While both films share a basic story and some character names, they’re quite different in terms of style, speed, and overall feeling. The remake from the ’90s leans more towards adventure than true horror, but it still pays tribute to the original in several important ways.

The 1932 film *The Mummy* begins with an archaeologist’s assistant unknowingly bringing the cursed Imhotep back to life. Years later, Imhotep has disguised himself as a historian, seeking out archaeologists to help him revive his lost love, Princess Ankh-es-en-Amon. When he encounters a woman who resembles the princess, he tries to resurrect her as his eternal companion by mummifying her. Though drawing inspiration from stories like *Dracula* and *Frankenstein*, *The Mummy* remains a standout among Universal’s classic monster movies and has had a lasting impact on horror and supernatural storytelling.

The 1999 film *The Mummy* stayed true to the core idea of the original horror story: Imhotep’s desire to bring back his lost love by kidnapping and sacrificing a woman who looked like her. It successfully balanced this classic concept and the fear of ancient evil with the excitement expected from an action-adventure movie, resulting in a faster-paced and different tone than the original. It’s rare for a remake to both pay homage to the source material *and* create a new, compelling story. Often, remakes are either too similar to what came before or stray too far from it.

Fans Want to See More Brendan Fraser

The original *Mummy* film did so well that it led to a sequel, *The Mummy Returns* (2001). While critics were divided on the second film, many fans enjoyed it. However, *The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon* wasn’t as successful with either audiences or critics, effectively ending the series. The studio then made a controversial choice: they cancelled a fourth film featuring the original cast to create a reboot with Tom Cruise in 2017, which was widely disliked. Many fans believe that none of the films truly work without Brendan Fraser’s iconic character.

Recently, there’s been a surge in popularity for the movie *The Mummy*, largely thanks to the comeback of its star, Brendan Fraser. His incredible performance in *The Whale* (2022) – which earned him an Academy Award – really put a spotlight back on his career. While many know Fraser from films like *George of the Jungle* (1997) and *Journey to the Center of the Earth* (2008), *The Mummy* remains his most iconic role. With Fraser receiving well-deserved praise again, it’s great to see this ’90s blockbuster getting a fresh wave of appreciation.

Following the disappointing performance of the 2017 *Mummy* remake and the mixed reception to the *Scorpion King* prequels, it’s clear that bringing back the “Dark Universe” franchise would require a truly innovative approach – something beyond just casting a famous actor. Still, many fans of the original *Mummy* trilogy, particularly the 1999 movie, remain hopeful for a fresh storyline that could appeal to a new generation. For now, the film’s continued popularity on streaming services shows that *The Mummy* still holds its own as a classic action-adventure film, even twenty-seven years after its release.

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2025-10-17 19:11