WHEN THE MUMMY HIT THE BIG SCREEN IN 1999, no one predicted the monster success the quirky action-adventure movie would become.
With research suggesting that theatergoers didn't want to see a film about "a guy wrapped in bandages," everyone from director Stephen Sommers to leading man Brendan Fraser expected the film to flop. Even Imhotep actor Arnold Vosloo (the titular mummy) had concerns, worried that he'd "never work again" once the movie premiered.
Well, The Mummy proved the doubters wrong, grossing some $417 million worldwide and even saving Universal Studios from bankruptcy. Twenty-five years later, the film is still beloved, with the cast remembering the film as fondly as its fans.
To celebrate the anniversary, Newsweek spoke to Vosloo, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velásquez and Kevin J. O'Connor for a behind-the-scenes look at the late-90s classic. Set in the 1920s, the film follows Rick (Brendan Fraser), aspiring Egyptologist Evelyn "Eevee" Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) and her lovable but useless-brother Jonathan (John Hannah). The trio accidentally awakens Imhotep, a mummy cursed to wreak havoc on the world but who mostly just wants to resurrect his dead girlfriend.
'The Power of This Movie Is Amazing'
It's been more than two decades since he took on the role of Imhotep, but Vosloo still gets fans telling him how much they adore The Mummy.
"The power of this movie is amazing," he told Newsweek. "People just love it." However, the 61-year-old wasn't sure what "he'd gotten himself into" at the time.
After the studio locked down Fraser and Weisz as the lead roles, the search for the mummy began.
Vosloo was recommended by Sean Daniel and James Jacks, who had worked with the South African actor on the 1993 Jean-Claude Van Damme movie Hard Target.
After one meeting, Sommers knew he was perfect for the part, but Vosloo was slightly confused.
Denne historien er fra May 24, 2024-utgaven av Newsweek US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 24, 2024-utgaven av Newsweek US.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Terry Crews
FOR TERRY CREWS, THERE ARE NO RULES.
Carrie Coon
CARRIE COON IS HAVING A MOMENT, EVEN THOUGH YOU MAY NOT RECognize her.
Still Doin' It Well
Ahead of the release of his new album, The FORCE, LL Cool J told Newsweek of his strong desire to keep contributing to the hip-hop culture he helped create
WORLD'S MOST TRUSTWORTHY COMPANIES 2024
TRUST IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY RELATIONSHIP-FROM PERsonal relationships to ties between businesses and consumers.
HOPE and HEALING on HORSEBACK
IT'S BEEN A DECADE SINCE ISIS COMMITTED GENOCIDE AGAINST IRAQ'S YAZIDI POPULATION. MORE THAN 100,000 YAZIDIS REMAIN DISPLACED BUT WORKERS AND ANIMALS AT AN EQUINE THERAPY CENTER ARE PROVIDING RELIEF
Is College Worth It?
AMERICANS are LOSING FAITH in HIGHER EDUCATION amid RISING TUITION FEES, UNCERTAIN PAYOFF and CULTURE WARS on CAMPUS
An integrated model for water management
Alkhorayef Water and Power Technologies has deep expertise and synergistic capabilities across the full water and wastewater value chain
Investments that are transforming life in Saudi Arabia
Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Company is creating distinctive destinations and experiences that encompass multiple sectors
A Kinder and Gentler Nick Cave
After a period of personal upheaval, the famed Bad Seeds singer returns with the vibrant and optimistic 'Wild God'
Fleeing War and Scams
Newsweek spoke to three Ukrainians who have been targeted by \"sponsors\" trying to profit from applicants seeking refuge in the U.S. via a humanitarian scheme
