"The Mummy" Japanese Theatrical Poster
Here’s proof that movie franchises never truly die, they just lie dormant for half a decade until the next round of executives can greenlight a relaunch. What I mean to say is, Universal Pictures has tapped Prometheus co-screenwriter Jon Spaihts to pen a reboot of The Mummy series.
The Mummy has long been one of Universal’s ‘Classic Monsters’ but the character really took off in late 90’s thanks to the big-budget, campy adventure flicks starring Brendan Fraser and directed by Stephen Sommers (G.I. Joe).
To the Fraser fans out there, I wouldn’t hold your breath that the George of the Jungle actor will return for the reboot but, hey, stranger things have happened. At this point we don’t even know if Universal wants to do another Indiana Jones-ish take on the series or deliver something darker, more sinister like Prometheus. Stay tuned to Cityonfire.com.
Update: Beyond Hollywood reveals that screenwriting dynamic duo Alex Kurtzman and Robert Orci (Transformers, Cowboys & Aliens) have been chosen by Universal to not only relaunch The Mummy franchise, but to reboot the Van Helsing character with Tom Cruise(!) in the lead as well.
AICN has the word that none other than Len Wiseman (Live Free or Die Hard, Total Recall ’12) has been tapped by Universal to direct the The Mummy reboot. Screenwriter Alex Kurtzman promises this new version will be “darker” and “scarier,” with a scientific grounding to its mystical story not unlike a Michael Crichton novel. A target release is set for 2014.
BREAKING NEWS: Comicbookmovie.com reports that due to scheduling conflicts, Len Wiseman is no longer directing The Mummy reboot. The search for a new director is currently underway.
I don’t understand why they don’t just make a sequel with Hugh Jackman? Hugh is much better at the role than Top Gun boy Tom Cruisy. No need to reboot the Mummy either just make a sequel…. or has Hollywood just become a giant Movie recycling plant?
“or has Hollywood just become a giant Movie recycling plant?” lol, i’m afraid you hit the nail on the head with that one. Then again, I wouldn’t mind seeing Universal try to do a more serious take on The Mummy franchise. Less camp, more thrills. Unfortunately that very same treatment bombed when they tried to redo “The Wolfman.” But don’t get me started on that flick.
I didn’t even like the original run with Brendan Frasher/ it was cheap fun but I don’t think it’s good enough to warrant a freaking reboot/ really??? How about just calling it something else?? Oh right, you can’t call it something else because some dickhead will probably point out that it looks very similar to The Mummy, lol…