WhileDracula Untoldis the official first movie in Universal’s Monsters Universe,The Mummyis fully opening up this world that will include a number of iconic crossovers with some of the studio’s most infamous ghouls. The remake is set to hit theaters in 2017. It starsTom Cruisein the lead role, withSofia Boutellaplaying the title monster, the first time in series history that this mummified zombie has ever been played by a woman. Universal Pictures has released the official synopsis, which gives us an idea of what we can expect.
“Thought safely entombed in a crypt deep beneath the unforgiving desert, an ancient queen (Sofia Boutella of Kingsman: The Secret Service and Star Trek Beyond) whose destiny was unjustly taken from her, is awakened in our current day, bringing with her malevolence grown over millennia and terrors that defy human comprehension. From the sweeping sands of the Middle East through hidden labyrinths under modern-day London, The Mummy brings a surprising intensity and balance of wonder and thrills in an imaginative new take that ushers in a new world of gods and monsters.”
Production onThe Mummy rebootis currently underway in London. And a few weeks ago we got to see starTom Cruiseon set alongsideAnnabelle Wallis. Also starring in the movie isJake Johnson, who is best known for his role on the Fox SitcomNew Girl. He brought some much neededcomedic relieftoJurassic World, and will play a similar character here, in a role that was written specifically for him.Courtney B. Vancehas also signed on in an unconfirmed role.
The Mummyis already reportedly setting the stage for the first of many crossovers in this Monsters Universe.Russell Croweis in early talks to play aDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde-like character who will reportedly feature in future movies. What the synopsis doesn’t mention is thatTom Cruiseplays aformer special forces officer.Annabelle Wallisis said to be playing a scientist, though her initial casting announcement claimed she was playing an archeologist. The synopsis does mention the Middle East, where it is believedThe Mummyis first discovered before being transferred to London.
Alex Kurtzmanis directed the movie from a script byJon Spaihts.Chris Morgan(Fast & Furious series, Wanted) andSean Daniel(The Mummy trilogy, The Best Man series) are producing alongside executive producerBobby Cohen. FollowingThe Mummy, otherUniversal Monstersmovies includeThe Wolfman,The Invisible Man,Bride of FrankensteinandVan Helsing. All are in various stages of development. A sixth untitled movie was announced earlier this month for release in 2019. Some are speculating that it is Russell Crowe’s standaloneDr. Jekyll and Mr. Hydereboot.
Boris Karloffbecame a household name back in 1932 when he first starred inThe Mummyfor Universal Pictures. That first entry in the long and storied franchise was directed byKarl Freund. The franchise was rebooted in 1999 withThe Mummy, which starredArnold Voslooas the title character, who had to spar with adventurerBrendan Fraserand his wife played byRachel Weisz. There were two sequels, 2001’sThe Mummy Returns, and 2008’sThe Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, the second of which sawJet Litaking over the title role. There have also been a number of direct-to-video sequels andThe Scorpion Kingspinoff, which launchedDwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson’s film career. The firstThe Mummytrailer is expected to arrive sometime during the holidays.
