The iconic adventure franchise, The Mummy, is on the verge of a significant revival, and actor Dwayne Johnson has expressed his willingness to return as the Scorpion King, contingent on a key factor. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Johnson made it clear that he would only reprise his role if the team behind the project wanted him back. He emphasized that The Mummy franchise primarily belongs to Brendan Fraser, the beloved lead actor known for his portrayal of Rick O’Connell.
Johnson’s involvement in The Mummy franchise began in 2001 with the film The Mummy Returns, which featured his character, the Scorpion King. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $435 million worldwide and earning a solid audience score of 63% on Rotten Tomatoes. This role was pivotal for Johnson’s career, marking his transition from professional wrestling to Hollywood stardom.
“I love that man. He’s one of my greatest supporters,” Johnson stated about Fraser. “If they want to call the Scorpion King, I know a guy who knows a guy. I would certainly consider it. Because that franchise changed my life.” His fondness for the franchise is evident, although he has not yet been officially approached for The Mummy 4.
Johnson’s first solo outing as the Scorpion King came in the 2002 spin-off, which grossed around $178 million worldwide. Despite its financial performance, the film received a lukewarm reception from critics and audiences alike, reflected in its low scores of 40% and 37% on Rotten Tomatoes. Subsequent portrayals of the character were taken on by actors such as Michael Copon and Zach McGowan after Johnson stepped away from the role.
A New Chapter for The Mummy Franchise
The Mummy franchise has a storied history, dating back to its inception in 1932. It has seen various iterations, including five sequels released between 1940 and 1955, as well as a range of remakes that have produced mixed results over the decades. The latest attempt, a 2017 adaptation starring Tom Cruise, aimed to launch a shared universe known as the Dark Universe. However, due to disappointing critical and commercial performance, this initiative was ultimately abandoned.
Looking ahead, a new Mummy film is scheduled for release in April 2024, featuring actors Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, and May Calamawy, under the direction of Lee Cronin. There are also discussions regarding the return of Brendan Fraser and co-star Rachel Weisz to the franchise, which could excite fans eager for a reunion of the original cast.
As the franchise prepares for its comeback, Johnson’s potential involvement and Fraser’s anticipated return could bring a wave of nostalgia to a new generation of viewers. The Mummy Returns is currently available for streaming on Prime Video, allowing fans to revisit the action-packed adventures that captivated audiences over two decades ago.
As the production gears up, the entertainment community watches closely, eager to see how these developments will unfold in the coming months.
