The enduring legacy of the Mummy franchise may soon see a revival, with Dwayne Johnson expressing interest in reprising his role as The Scorpion King. This potential return would coincide with a new film currently in development, which aims to breathe fresh life into the beloved adventure series.
Johnson, who first appeared in the franchise in 2001’s The Mummy Returns, acknowledged the significance of the series in his career. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, he stated, “I’m always open. To be clear, that is Brendan Fraser‘s franchise. I love that man. He’s one of my greatest supporters. We support each other.” Johnson emphasized that he would consider returning only if the filmmakers wanted him back, reiterating his respect for Fraser, the franchise’s original star.
Franchise Impact and Future Prospects
The role of The Scorpion King was a pivotal moment for Johnson, leading to numerous major projects that followed. The initial movie, The Mummy Returns, grossed over $435 million globally and received a favorable audience score of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. Following this, Johnson starred in the spin-off film, The Scorpion King, which earned $178 million worldwide but was less well-received, with a critics score of 40%.
Despite not appearing in further installments, the character’s legacy continued with actors like Michael Copon, Victor Webster, and Zach McGowan taking on the role in subsequent projects. The new film in development is set to be directed by Lee Cronin and is expected to feature a fresh cast, including Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, and May Calamawy.
The Mummy’s Journey Through Cinema
The Mummy franchise has a rich history dating back to 1932, originally starting with classic Universal Monster films. It enjoyed a revival in the late 1990s and early 2000s, featuring a series of adventures led by Fraser’s character, Rick O’Connell, as he battled resurrected gods and warlords. Despite attempts at remakes, including the poorly received 2017 adaptation featuring Tom Cruise, the franchise struggled to maintain a consistent narrative direction.
The 2017 film was intended to initiate a shared cinematic universe called the Dark Universe, but poor critical and commercial reception led to its cancellation. Currently, the upcoming film aims to re-establish the franchise’s footing in the modern cinematic landscape.
In a positive development, both Fraser and his co-star from the original films, Rachel Weisz, are reportedly in discussions to return. Fans of the franchise eagerly await official announcements regarding casting and plot details as the new film gears up for a projected release in April 2024.
As audiences reminisce about the thrilling escapades of the original films, Johnson’s willingness to return as The Scorpion King adds an exciting dimension to the potential revival of a franchise that has captivated viewers for generations.