Unraveling The Mummy After 25 Years
Newsweek Europe|May 24, 2024
Its stars thought it would flop. Now a quarter of a century after its release, Arnold Vosloo, Rachel Weisz, Patricia Velásquez and Kevin J. O'Connor reflect on the cult classic
SOPHIE LLOYD
Unraveling The Mummy After 25 Years

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.

This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of Newsweek Europe.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the May 24, 2024 edition of Newsweek Europe.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM NEWSWEEK EUROPEView All
The Next Phase of War
Newsweek Europe

The Next Phase of War

After thousands of elite soldiers from North Korea joined Vladimir Putin’s forces against Ukraine, how has this latest move affected the conflict?

time-read
6 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Hey, Don't Be So SAD
Newsweek Europe

Hey, Don't Be So SAD

Seasonal affective disorder affects millions of people. Here’s how you can prep your body and mind for darker days

time-read
5 mins  |
November 29, 2024
America's Best CONTINUING CARE
Newsweek Europe

America's Best CONTINUING CARE

EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES, RESTAURANTstyle dining, unlimited pickleball-an impressive number of amenities are becoming standard at Continuing Care Retirement Communities.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 29, 2024
NEW WORLD ORDER
Newsweek Europe

NEW WORLD ORDER

HOW LEADERS ACROSS THE GLOBE ARE REACTING TO DONALD TRUMP'S REELECTION AS U.S. PRESIDENT

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 29, 2024
My Fight for Equality and Justice
Newsweek Europe

My Fight for Equality and Justice

It will take more than just science to end AIDS. Inclusion, empathy and compassion are essential, too

time-read
3 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Saying No to Trump and Men
Newsweek Europe

Saying No to Trump and Men

The election has led some women to boycott relationships and sex

time-read
7 mins  |
November 29, 2024
Wendi McLendon-Covey
Newsweek Europe

Wendi McLendon-Covey

AFTER 10 YEARS OF PLAYING BEVERLY GOLDBERG ON THE GOLDBERGS, Wendi McLendon-Covey was not eager for a break. \"I need to go do a job where I can just throw everything at it and then come home totally exhausted.\"

time-read
1 min  |
November 22, 2024
'I'm the Highest Earner in Esports'
Newsweek Europe

'I'm the Highest Earner in Esports'

Johan \"NOtail\" Sundstein has won over $7 million but says, \"I don't really crave that status...I play for my own reasons\"

time-read
6 mins  |
November 22, 2024
AMERICA'S BEST Weight Loss CLINICS & CENTERS 2025
Newsweek Europe

AMERICA'S BEST Weight Loss CLINICS & CENTERS 2025

WHETHER IT'S FOR MEAL PLANS, PROFESSIONAL guidance or access to medications like GLP-1s, weight loss clinics can offer personalized assistance for those hoping to make sustainable lifestyle changes.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 22, 2024
AMERICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW VEHICALS - 2025
Newsweek Europe

AMERICA'S MOST ANTICIPATED NEW VEHICALS - 2025

WHETHER IT'S A NEWLY IMAGined sport utility vehicle or the re-emergence of a highly regarded halo car, the vehicles coming to market in 2025 prove that Americans' attitudes about personal transportation are diverse and are being served from all angles.

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 22, 2024