While appearing at Fan Expo Denver, Brendan Fraser shared his candid thoughts on why Tom Cruise’s 2017 reboot of The Mummy failed to capture the same magic as his original trilogy. Speaking alongside his former costars John Hannah, Patricia Velasquez, and Oded Fehr, Fraser recalled the challenges of making a successful Mummy film and acknowledged how difficult it is to strike the right tone.
Despite his admiration for Cruise’s effort, Fraser highlighted that making such a film is “not easy” and requires a careful balance that the reboot didn’t quite achieve.
Fraser Says Fun, Adventure, and Charm Made Original Mummy Trilogy a Hit
Fraser emphasized that the appeal of the original trilogy lay in its sense of fun, adventure, and rewatchability. He pointed out that the first two films, in particular, offered a thrill ride rather than a horror-heavy experience. Fraser believes the reboot failed largely because it veered too far into horror, missing the adventurous tone that fans loved. He said that audiences want a mix of excitement and charm, and when filmmakers deviate from that formula, the result often falls flat.
Brendan Fraser Explains Why His Mummy Trilogy Worked While Tom Cruise’s Reboot Missed the MarkFraser’s The Mummy franchise began in 1999 and was followed by two sequels, each building on the original’s blend of action, humor, and light supernatural elements. The trilogy helped catapult Fraser and Rachel Weisz to stardom and remains a nostalgic favorite for many. Fraser acknowledged that while the third installment, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, didn’t quite match the success of the first two, all three maintained the essence of fun that made them appealing to audiences
Fraser’s Classic Outshines Cruise’s Dark Reboot, Ending Universal’s Monster Universe Plans
The 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise featured a darker, more horror-driven tone and failed to resonate with viewers or critics. With a reported loss of $100 million and tepid reviews, the film was a commercial and critical flop. Director Alex Kurtzman later referred to it as “the biggest failure of my life.” The film’s failure also marked the end of Universal’s planned “Dark Universe” franchise, which was supposed to feature modernized versions of classic monster films, including The Invisible Man and others.
Despite the challenges and the reboot’s failure, Fraser has expressed openness to returning to the Mummy franchise, provided the right concept comes along. He told Variety he isn’t sure how it would work, but he’d consider it. As the 1999 film celebrates its 25th anniversary, fans continue to celebrate Fraser’s version of The Mummy, appreciating its adventurous spirit, charismatic performances, and timeless appeal—elements the reboot seemingly overlooked.