'The Mummy Returns' is back to the big screens and here's when you can watch the classic
'The Mummy Returns' is getting a new lease of life as it will be screened in theaters again. Written and directed by Stephen Sommers, the film is a sequel to 1999's 'The Mummy,' which Sommers also wrote and directed. Upon its May 4, 2001, release, the adventure-horror film became a box-office hit, earning $435 million worldwide. Furthermore, it became the seventh-highest-grossing film of 2001 and the highest-grossing film of the trilogy, and will return to cinemas on March 27 to mark its 25th anniversary. Tickets for 'The Mummy Returns' were announced by Universal Pictures on February 19. The film starred Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in leading roles.
'The Mummy Returns' takes place seven years after the first film and follows the adventures of treasure hunter Rick O'Connell, his wife, librarian Evelyn Carnahan, and their precocious son, Alex, in Egypt. When the young boy accidentally uncovers an artifact, the Bracelet of Anubis, it inadvertently leads to the resurrection of The Scorpion King and his army of jackal-like warriors from the 4th century BC. The film weaves together two timelines: 1933, featuring the O'Connells, and 3067 B.C., centered on the Scorpion King. During the series of events, Evie unlocks memories of her previous life as the bracelet's keeper, Princess Nefertiri.
In addition to Fraser and Weisz, Freddie Boath appears as the couple's young son, Alex O'Connell. Arnold Vosloo reprises his role as Imhotep, the antagonist from the previous film. Returning cast members include John Hannah as Evie's brother Jonathan Carnahan, Patricia Velásquez as Meela Nais / Anck-su-namun, and Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay. The film also marked WWE star Dwayne Johnson's acting debut and paved the way for his successful acting career. Alun Armstrong as the cult leader Baltus Hafez, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Lock-Nah, Shaun Parkes as Izzy Buttons, Bruce Byron as Red Willits, Joe Dixon as Jacques Clemons, Tom Fisher as Jacob Spivey, and Aharon Ipalé as Pharaoh Seti I round out the film's main cast.
'The Mummy Returns' is co-produced by Sean Daniel and James Jacks and distributed by Universal Pictures. The film's theatrical re-release follows the current trend of bringing back old favorites for younger audiences to discover and for original viewers as a nostalgic experience. 'Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace' was similarly released in 2024 to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Furthermore, Universal is relaunching the highly profitable franchise with Lee Cronin's 'The Mummy' in 2026. The studio is also working on a sequel film, with Fraser and Weisz reprising their roles as Rick and Evie, and it will hit theaters in 2028. Weisz was part of the first two films but did not return for the third, 'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' (2008). The character was instead played by actress Maria Bello.
