The Mummy 2017 was jam-packed with the year’s brightest stars. It earned $409 million worldwide. But it also earned a cavalcade of negative reviews online and some flak from die-hard fans of the old franchise. Perhaps it was because of the new cast and crew, who brought with them a more serious tone. In the midst of this push and pull of love and hate for the film, they were nominated for eight awards.
Yet no one involved in the film was excited. Curious as to why? Well, these nominations did not come from the Oscars nor the Golden Globes. Rather, they came from the 38th Golden Raspberry Awards. Otherwise known as the award show for the worst in film! The Mummy 2017 was nominated for worst Picture, worst director for Kurtzman, worst actor for the beloved Tom Cruise, and a lot more. Congratulations?
Tired Sommers
Another announcement in November 2011 shocked The Mummy fans. Stephen Sommers spread around the possibility of him directing a third Mummy film, thanks to consistent pressure from the public. Sommers had his doubts though. “Most of the gang would only be up for it again if we could find a way to make it bigger and better,” he said.
Of course, everyone would anticipate an upgrade—something they have never seen before. Three years later, Sommers felt that his energy had been wiped out by the first three films. The cast was already up for the project, but how could they push it through if their fearless leader had lost his enthusiasm?
Spinoffs
It wasn’t surprising that sequels and spin-offs were inspired by and created after The Mummy. Both of the official sequels—The Mummy Returns and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor—enjoyed a strong reception in the cinemas.
This influenced many filmmakers to create their own adventures in the genre. Some attempts to recreate the magic of The Mummy, included an animated series, and a spin-off prequel, entitled The Scorpion King. With a star-studded cast seeming to be one of the prerequisites for Mummy-related success, The Scorpion King featured none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Fully Sick
In The Mummy 2017, the actors and staff got sick for the sake of the film. They wanted the plane crash scene to look realistic, so they took over the highway. They used The Vomit Comet and parabolic flight to appear like they were weightless. They had to retake 64 times and, each time, had to fight the urge to purge.
Director Alex Kurtzman suggested at first that they try shooting the scene using harnesses and a rotating set. Tom Cruise stepped in and insisted that wasn’t good enough, and they needed to go to whatever length necessary to make the scene real, believable and spectacular. While you’ve got to admire him for this, it seems Cruise made everyone on-set sick to their stomachs with his perfectionism!
Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Cloak
Did you know that some costume rental companies let movies share the same wardrobe? Angels, a British costume rental company, lent The Mummy a cloak to be worn by one of the extras in the film. While it didn’t take a starring role, that cloak was no ordinary piece of attire.
It was none other than the cloak used by Alec Guinness when he played Obi-Wan Kenobi in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, way back in 1977. What a second life for such an eminent piece of clothing to have! We wonder if it’s back, lurking in the racks at Angels, awaiting its next resurrection.