Heres a retrospective look at why it was such a smash success.
In May 1999, Stephen SommersThe Mummyhit theaters around the world.
As with all trends, however, the audience interest diminished over time and the next fad took over.
The Mummy / Universal Pictures
Decades later, Universal Pictures rolled the dice and revisitedThe Mummyin 1999.
In this version, Brendan Fraser plays a new protagonist named Rick OConnell.
All hail the cool Imhotep
Take nothing away from Boris Karloffs portrayal of Imhotep.
Universal Pictures
However, Arnold Vosloo breathes a unique menace into his interpretation of Imhotep that suits the era.
Its testament to his popularity that Imhotep returned almost instantly forThe Mummy Returnsin 2001.
It understood how moviegoers werent in the mood to be frightened; they wanted to be entertained.
Universal Pictures
It wasnt meant to last forever, though.
In this instance, the reverse happened: Audiences wanted to be scared again!
This isnt unusual, of course, as Hollywood goes through cycles all the time.
Universal Pictures
Not only did it enthrall, but it also still holds up as a cinema classic 25 years later.
