The beloved **Mummy** franchise is gearing up for a revival, and actor **Dwayne Johnson** has expressed his willingness to reprise his role as the Scorpion King in a potential new film. Johnson, who made his debut in the franchise with **The Mummy Returns** in 2001, indicated his interest during an interview with Entertainment Tonight, stating he would return “if they want him there.” He emphasized that the franchise fundamentally belongs to **Brendan Fraser**, the actor best known for his portrayal of Rick O’Connell.
Johnson’s acknowledgment of Fraser’s significance in the series reflects a camaraderie between the two actors. “I love that man. He’s one of my greatest supporters,” Johnson said, highlighting their mutual respect. The franchise has been instrumental in shaping Johnson’s career, as it marked his first major film role and led to numerous other high-profile projects. “That franchise changed my life,” he added.
Johnson first captivated audiences as the Scorpion King in **The Mummy Returns**, a film that grossed over **$435 million** worldwide. Although it received a mixed critical reception, with a **63% audience score** on Rotten Tomatoes, it remains a significant entry in the action-adventure genre. He then starred in the spin-off film, **The Scorpion King**, released in 2002, which earned **$178 million** globally but did not fare as well critically, garnering a **40% critics score** and a **37% audience score**.
The Future of The Mummy Franchise
The **Mummy** franchise began in 1932 and has undergone several transformations over the decades. Initially rooted in classic Universal monster films, it was revitalized with the advent of more modern storytelling, following the adventures of O’Connell and his companions as they faced various supernatural threats. After a string of sequels from 1940 to 1955, the franchise saw intermittent attempts at remakes, with varying degrees of success.
The most recent attempt was the 2017 film directed by **Alex Kurtzman**, featuring **Tom Cruise**. Intended as the launch of a new shared universe called the Dark Universe, the film ultimately failed to meet expectations both critically and financially, leading to the cancellation of the broader franchise vision.
Currently, a new installment is in development, expected to be released in **April 2024**, directed by **Lee Cronin** and featuring actors **Jack Reynor**, **Laia Costa**, and **May Calamawy**. Reports suggest that Fraser and his original co-star, **Rachel Weisz**, are in discussions to return to the franchise, which could bring a nostalgic element back to the series.
The interest from both Johnson and Fraser highlights the enduring appeal of the **Mummy** franchise, which has maintained a loyal fan base over the years. As anticipation builds for the new film, it remains to be seen how the legacy of the original series will shape this next chapter in its storied history.
In the meantime, fans can revisit **The Mummy Returns**, which is available for streaming on Prime Video, allowing a new generation to experience the magic of the franchise that launched Dwayne Johnson’s film career.
