In 2017, the cinematic adventure The Mummy attempted to ignite the Dark Universe, an ambitious franchise aimed at unifying all the legendary monsters from classic horror films. Despite the undeniable star power of Tom Cruise, the film faced a swift downfall, leaving the envisioned crossovers stranded and unrealized. During an engaging discussion at Fan Expo Denver, Brendan Fraser was queried about the elements that set his version of The Mummy apart from the ill-fated reboot.

“I understand that making a film like this is quite challenging, and I commend Tom Cruise for his efforts!” Fraser shared. “While many films struggle, at least ours was an exhilarating experience; it was thrilling, and audiences felt compelled to return for more.“

This statement rings true. While both The Mummy and The Mummy Returns may not grace any prestigious lists of the greatest films ever made, they certainly hold their own in the realm of entertainment. These films deliver unabashed fun, filled with heart-pounding adventures, unforgettable characters, and stunning visual effects, all anchored by Brendan Fraser’s remarkable and endlessly charming performance. Even Tomb of the Dragon Emperor had its share of captivating moments that resonated with fans.

Stephen Sommers, the visionary director behind the first two installments of the beloved Brendan Fraser series, expressed his discontent regarding the reboot. He openly stated that he felt “insulted” for not being consulted during its development. “I felt a bit disrespected, as I was never contacted by the writers and director [Alex Kurtzman] of Tom Cruise’s version,” he lamented. “When I take over a project, I always make it a point to reach out to the original creators. The third installment, directed by Rob [Cohen], is quite special to me. I wanted to respect his vision while assisting in production. However, with the Tom Cruise reboot, I was left in the dark, and while I was busy with other projects, it’s just common courtesy to communicate.”“

The talented director of Evil Dead Rise, Lee Cronin, has recently completed production on a fresh take of The Mummy, which promises to diverge significantly from both the Fraser films and the Cruise reboot. “This upcoming installment will present a unique vision of the Mummy saga, unlike anything you’ve ever seen before,” Cronin hinted. “I am delving deep into ancient lore to resurrect something extremely old and genuinely terrifying.” Audiences can mark their calendars for this anticipated film, set to hit theaters on April 17, 2026.