There are, depending on how you define the “Mummy series,” either five or six core films directly featuring the classic Mummy character in a leading role. This number expands significantly when considering spin-offs and loosely connected works.
Defining the Mummy Cinematic Universe
The question of how many films truly constitute “The Mummy series” is more nuanced than it initially appears. While there are five distinct films starring a reanimated Egyptian corpse as the primary antagonist, the inclusion of The Scorpion King spin-off adds another layer to the discussion. Our classification will focus on films where a resurrected (or never truly dead) mummy plays a central role, actively shaping the plot.
The Core Mummy Films: A Detailed Breakdown
Here we delve into the films most readily accepted as part of “The Mummy” series:
1. The Mummy (1932)
The original masterpiece. Starring Boris Karloff as Imhotep, this classic horror film sets the tone for all future adaptations. It tells the story of an ancient Egyptian high priest accidentally resurrected by archaeologists who read aloud from the Scroll of Thoth. Imhotep seeks to revive his long-lost love and wreak havoc on the modern world. This movie laid the groundwork for everything that followed.
2. The Mummy (1999)
A swashbuckling adventure reboot, starring Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell and Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan. This film, a blend of action, horror, and comedy, sees the accidental resurrection of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) by a group of treasure hunters. The special effects were groundbreaking for their time, and the movie’s charm proved incredibly successful. This is arguably the most popular iteration in the minds of most moviegoers.
3. The Mummy Returns (2001)
A direct sequel to the 1999 film, again starring Fraser and Weisz. This movie escalates the stakes by introducing the Scorpion King (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) and explores more Egyptian mythology. Imhotep returns (again!), and the O’Connells must stop him from conquering the world. The CGI here, while ambitious, hasn’t aged as gracefully as some of the practical effects from the first film.
4. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)
This film shifts the setting from Egypt to China, featuring a new mummy: Emperor Han (Jet Li). Brendan Fraser returns as Rick O’Connell, but Rachel Weisz is replaced by Maria Bello as Evelyn. This installment, while still entertaining, is often considered the weakest of the Brendan Fraser trilogy due to script issues and the change in Evelyn’s portrayal. It marked a significant departure from the Egyptian setting of the previous films.
5. The Mummy (2017)
A reboot intended to launch a “Dark Universe” franchise. Starring Tom Cruise as Nick Morton and Sofia Boutella as Princess Ahmanet, this film was a critical and commercial failure. It tried to blend action-adventure with horror, but many felt it lacked the charm and heart of previous installments. The “Dark Universe” concept was quickly abandoned following its poor reception.
6. The Scorpion King (2002): An Honorary Mention
While technically a spin-off from The Mummy Returns, The Scorpion King tells the origin story of Mathayus (Dwayne Johnson), a character first introduced as a CGI villain in the second Mummy film. Although the mummy is not the central figure, its connection to the franchise earns it a place in this discussion. Some consider it part of a larger “Mummy Universe”.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about The Mummy Movies
Here are some common questions about the Mummy franchise, addressed to clarify any lingering doubts.
1. Who played the Mummy in the original 1932 film?
Boris Karloff portrayed Imhotep, the titular mummy, in the iconic 1932 film The Mummy. His performance is legendary and set the standard for all mummy portrayals to come.
2. Why wasn’t Rachel Weisz in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor?
Rachel Weisz reportedly declined to reprise her role as Evelyn Carnahan due to dissatisfaction with the script. Maria Bello was subsequently cast in the role. There were also reported scheduling conflicts with other projects.
3. Is there going to be another Mummy movie with Brendan Fraser?
As of 2024, there are no official plans for another Mummy film starring Brendan Fraser. However, Fraser has expressed interest in reprising his role, and fan support remains strong. The success of his career resurgence has fueled speculation and hope among fans.
4. Was The Mummy (2017) a remake?
Yes, the 2017 film was a reboot of the franchise, aiming to establish a new cinematic universe centered around classic Universal Monsters. However, it diverged significantly from the tone and style of previous Mummy films.
5. Are the Scorpion King movies connected to The Mummy series?
Yes, the Scorpion King franchise is directly connected to The Mummy series. Mathayus, the Scorpion King, was first introduced in The Mummy Returns. The Scorpion King films are considered spin-offs.
6. Which Mummy movie is considered the best?
Most fans and critics consider The Mummy (1999) to be the best film in the franchise, praising its blend of action, adventure, horror, and humor. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz’s performances are also highly regarded.
7. What is the name of the ancient book that resurrects the Mummy in the 1999 film?
The book is called the Book of the Dead. Reading from its pages aloud triggers the ritual that resurrects Imhotep. It is a critical plot device.
8. What was the intended “Dark Universe” that The Mummy (2017) was meant to launch?
The Dark Universe was a planned interconnected cinematic universe featuring Universal’s classic monsters, including Dracula, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. The Mummy (2017) was intended to be the first installment, but the poor reception of the film led to the cancellation of the project.
9. Who is Anck-Su-Namun in The Mummy (1999)?
Anck-Su-Namun was Imhotep’s forbidden love. She murdered Pharaoh Seti I to be with Imhotep, leading to their brutal executions. She is a key motivation for Imhotep’s actions when he is resurrected.
10. Does the 1932 The Mummy have any sequels?
While not direct sequels in the same way as the Fraser trilogy, Universal produced several other Mummy films in the 1940s, featuring different actors and mummies, but borrowing heavily from the original’s premise. These are considered loosely related to the original.
11. Where does The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor take place?
Unlike the other Mummy films, which primarily take place in Egypt (or feature flashbacks to ancient Egypt), Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is set primarily in China.
12. Is it worth watching all of the Mummy movies?
Whether or not it’s worth watching all the movies depends on your personal taste. The 1932 original is a classic horror film, and the Brendan Fraser trilogy is generally well-regarded, especially the first two installments. Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and The Mummy (2017) are more divisive. If you are a fan of the genre and want a complete picture of the franchise, it is recommended you watch them all.