Then And Now: Revisiting The Mummy 1999 Cast After 24 Years

Revisiting the Iconic Cast of The Mummy Over 20 Years Later

It's hard to believe it has been nearly a quarter century since audiences were first introduced to the thrilling adventure film The Mummy, released in theaters on May 7, 1999. Directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, the film was a surprise smash hit, grossing over $415 million globally and spawning multiple sequels and spinoffs.

In the iconic original film, dashing Legionnaire Rick O'Connell (Fraser) teams up with librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Weisz) and her brother Jonathan (John Hannah) to battle an ancient evil force - Imhotep - who is accidentally resurrected when the trio enters the lost City of the Dead. Along the way, they are pursued by otherworldly plagues and Imhotep's love interest Anck-Su-Namun (Patricia Velásquez).

Brendan Fraser as Rick O'Connell

As the charming rogue Rick O'Connell, Brendan Fraser became an overnight action star. In the years immediately following The Mummy's release, Fraser enjoyed tremendous success, starring in films like Bedazzled, Dudley Do-Right, and Monkeybone. Though his star power subsequently faded, Fraser has continued working regularly in both film and TV for the past two decades.

Now age 54, Fraser has undergone something of a career resurgence lately thanks to his acclaimed performance in Darren Aronofsky's The Whale. He was given a six-minute standing ovation for the role at the Venice Film Festival and is considered a likely Oscar nominee. Off-screen, Fraser weathered a divorce in 2007 and struggles with health issues related to performing his own stunts over the years, but he retains a devoted fan following today.

Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan

British actress Rachel Weisz became an "it girl" overnight thanks to her intelligent and adventurous performance as Evelyn Carnahan. She won a slew of awards for the role and quickly established herself as one of Hollywood's most compelling leading ladies. Just a few years later in 2005, Weisz won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her work in The Constant Gardener.

Now 52 years old, Weisz remains an A-list star, though she tends to favor ambitious independent films over blockbusters nowadays. She has two children with current husband Daniel Craig - yes, the James Bond actor! Weisz also writes, produces, and directs on occasion these days. Though Rick and Evelyn's romance never got a proper conclusion, Weisz retains warm memories of the franchise that made her famous and says she'd be open to revisiting the role.

John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan

As Evelyn's rakish brother Jonathan Carnahan, Scottish actor John Hannah provided much of The Mummy's comic relief. Though the film marked his big Hollywood break, Hannah chose to return home to the UK rather than pursue a major career across the pond post-Mummy. He found consistent work in British film, TV, and theater instead.

Now 60 years old, Hannah keeps extremely busy acting in various projects and has also done some directing work. He reprised his role as Jonathan in the second Mummy film in 2001. When he looks back on his time in the franchise, Hannah says one of his favorite memories is tossing around ideas with Brendan Fraser and director Stephen Sommers over drinks at a pub near the set.

The Lasting Impact of a Blockbuster Franchise

It's incredible to see how the main stars of 1999's The Mummy have evolved and changed over the past two decades while still remaining familiar faces in entertainment. And despite a lackluster 2017 reboot attempt starring Tom Cruise, the original Mummy franchise continues to endure in the hearts of movie lovers thanks to its charming cast, spectacular action sequences, and perfect mix of comedy, horror and romance.

FAQs

What was Brendan Fraser's big breakout role?

Brendan Fraser's became a star overnight thanks to his performance as dashing adventurer Rick O'Connell in 1999's The Mummy. The action-adventure film was a huge global success and established Fraser as a leading man.

What recent role has Brendan Fraser been acclaimed for?

After years out of the spotlight, Fraser made a critically-acclaimed comeback in 2022 with his performance in Darren Aronofsky's drama The Whale. He received a long standing ovation at its film festival premiere and is considered likely to earn an Best Actor Oscar nomination.

Why did Rachel Weisz win an Oscar in 2005?

Just a few years after breakthrough role in The Mummy, Rachel Weisz won the Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her performance in the 2005 drama The Constant Gardener opposite Ralph Fiennes.

Did the actress who played Anck-Su-Namun appear in the Mummy sequels?

No - Patricia Velásquez, who played the mysterious Anck-Su-Namun in the 1999 original, did not reprise the role in the 2001 sequel The Mummy Returns or any other franchise installment. The character does return, but is played by a different actress.