In an exclusive conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, director Stephen Sommers shared memories and insights on the 25th anniversary of the popular action film, The Mummy. Released on May 7, 1999, the Universal Pictures movie starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, earning a staggering $409 million at the global box office (equivalent to $767 million today). The successful film also spawned two sequels and a spinoff led by Dwayne Johnson.

Sommers revealed that he was inspired by the original 1932 Boris Karloff Mummy movie at a young age and jumped at the opportunity to remake it when approached by Universal. Contrary to rumors, he mentioned that Sylvester Stallone was never considered for the lead role, which eventually went to Brendan Fraser. Sommers and his team were also impressed by Rachel Weisz and cast her as the British romantic lead, Evelyn Carnahan.

Behind the scenes, the cast and crew faced challenges, including filming in the scorching heat and sandstorms. Fraser's dedication to his role led him to endure B12 shots and perform many of his own stunts, often resulting in bumps and scrapes. One memorable incident occurred during a hanging scene, where Fraser momentarily lost consciousness due to the pressure on his carotid arteries.

Despite the initial uncertainty surrounding the film, a 30-second Super Bowl spot completely changed its fate. The Mummy went from being ridiculed to garnering immense interest and excitement from viewers. Opening weekend exceeded all expectations, with the film earning a staggering $45 million, cementing its success.

While Sommers directed the first two installments, he chose not to helm the third film, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, feeling that the story had reached a satisfying culmination. He did, however, assist in a producing capacity. When asked about the Tom Cruise-led reboot released in 2017, Sommers expressed disappointment at not being consulted or contacted by the filmmakers, considering it a matter of common courtesy.

Regarding the possibility of a Mummy reunion, Sommers conveyed that he has had no involvement with Universal since departing and does not know the plans of the current executives. However, he expressed his willingness to work with the original actors again if something truly special came along.

In addition to reminiscing about The Mummy, Sommers also discussed how the franchise gave rise to The Rock's stardom. After seeing footage of the wrestler-turned-actor, the studio was impressed and urged Sommers to write a movie specifically for him. This led to the creation of The Scorpion King, a spinoff that showcased The Rock's talent and propelled him to greater recognition.

As The Mummy celebrates its 25th anniversary, fans reflect on the enduring impact and timeless appeal of the film that brought ancient Egyptian curses to life. With the potential for future projects in the franchise, it remains to be seen if audiences will once again be captivated by the world of mummies, adventure, and supernatural thrills.