Moviefone Editorial

Tag: rachel-weisz

  • Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Back for a New ‘Mummy’ Movie

    (L to R) Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in 'The Mummy.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in ‘The Mummy.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • A new entry in ‘The Mummy’ franchise is in development.
    • Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are in talks to return to their roles.
    • Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett will direct for Universal.

    Back in 1999, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz delivered a great on-screen partnership as dashing, roguish hero Rick O’Connell and practical English Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan for ‘The Mummy.’

    Fraser returned for two sequels and Weisz for one (more on that below), but since then, fans have wanted to know if they might both be back, given their winning chemistry.

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    Good news! Per The Hollywood Reporter, Fraser and Weisz are now in talks to return for a third joint outing, this time under the directorial control of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo part of the Radio Silence collective, who made ‘Ready or Not’ and two of the recent ‘Scream’ movies.

    Related Article: ‘Evil Dead Rise’ Director Lee Cronin to Make New ‘Mummy’ Movie

    What’s the story of ‘The Mummy’?

    Brendan Fraser in 'The Mummy.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Brendan Fraser in ‘The Mummy.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    The original movie, directed by Stephen Sommers, became a big hit, spawning a sequel, 2001’s ‘The Mummy Returns,’ which also represented a big acting break for Dwayne Johnson.

    While Fraser returned for 2008’s less-embraced ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,’ Maria Bello replaced Weisz and Rob Cohen took over directing.

    Things went dormant after that (aside from an ill-fated attempt to launch a Classic Monsters Cinematic Universe with the Tom Cruise reboot in 2017, and more recent reports of ‘Evil Dead Rise’s Lee Cronin developing a new take), but the signs and portents are pointing to a return for the original duo.

    As for the new movie, it’ll have a script from David Coggeshall (‘The Family Plan’) and while details are mostly being kept in a sarcophagus, the Reporter’s sources are suggesting that it’ll be a sequel that wipes away the events of ‘Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.’ Okay by us!

    Where else can we see Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz?

    (L to R) Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in 'The Mummy.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in ‘The Mummy.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Fraser won an Oscar for 2022’s ‘The Whale’ and will next be seen in heartwarming drama ‘Rental Family,’ which lands in theaters on November 21.

    Weisz has recently been seen in the likes of TV’s ‘Dead Ringers’ and Marvel’s ‘Black Widow.’ Coming up, she has TV drama Vladimir (about a woman who becomes obsessed with a coworker) and is aboard new movie ‘Séance on a Wet Afternoon.’

    When will the new ‘Mummy’ movie arrive in theaters?

    Universal has yet to indicate when this one might make it to screens. But we can’t imagine it before 2027.

    (L to R) Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in 'The Mummy.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
    (L to R) Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in ‘The Mummy.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Movies in the ‘Mummy’ Franchise:

    Buy ‘The Mummy’ Movies On Amazon

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  • Rachel Weisz to Star in ‘Vladimir’

    Rachel Weisz in 'The Mummy.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Rachel Weisz in ‘The Mummy.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    Preview:

    • Rachel Weisz will star in new limited series ‘Vladimir.’
    • The adaptation of Julia May Jonas’s 2022 novel is based at Netflix.
    • Kate Robin is running the show.

    Limited series based on novels have become big business in the streaming era, with the likes of HBO, Hulu and particularly Netflix getting in on the action.

    The latest to be announced by the latter is an adaptation of Julia May Jonas’s 2022 novel ‘Vladimir,’ which has now landed Rachel Weisz to star and executive produce.

    And Jonas will also be involved –– she’ll serve as creator and will have a writing gig on the eventual series, alongside Kate Robin, who will run the show. Robin is a veteran of shows such as ‘Dead to Me’ on Netflix as well as Showtime’s ‘The Affair’ and Prime Video’s ‘One Mississippi.’

    We’re promised a blend of dark comedy and sexy fun times –– albeit with some serious consequences.

    Related Article: Rachel Weisz plays a Pair of Twisted Twin Scientists in the Trailer for ‘Dead Ringers’

    What’s the story of ‘Vladimir’

    Rachel Weisz in 'The Mummy.' Photo: Universal Pictures.
    Rachel Weisz in ‘The Mummy.’ Photo: Universal Pictures.

    If you were looking for details on the plot of this one, it’s official logline time!

    “As a beloved English professor faces a slew of accusations against her professor husband by former students — she becomes obsessed with her captivating new colleague. Full of sexy secrets, dark humor and complex characters, ‘Vladimir’ is about what happens when a woman goes hell-bent to turn her fantasies into reality.”

    Behind the scenes and beyond Jonas and Robin, the series boasts quite the team, with ‘Catastrophe’ and ‘Bad Sisters’ creator Sharon Horgan as an executive producer alongside Stacy Greenberg and Kira Carstensen of her Merman production company. Jason Winer and Jon Radler are also producers on behalf of Small Dog Picture Company, while 20th Television will make the series itself.

    ‘Vladimir’: The Studio and Producers Talk

    Netflix logo. Photo: Netflix.
    Netflix logo. Photo: Netflix.

    Here’s what Tracey Pakosta, vice president of comedy series at Netflix had to say about the new series:

    “With Kate Robin’s expertise in crafting layered, darkly comedic female stories, a script that deftly examines the complexity of attraction and moral ambiguities, and the incomparable Rachel Weisz leading the cast, this project is a powerhouse collaboration of talented women. We can’t wait for our fans to be as obsessed with ‘Vladimir’ as we are.”

    And this is what Horgan commented:

    “I fell in love with Julia’s writing from the very first paragraph. I feel very lucky and incredibly excited for Merman to bring ‘Vladimir’ to life alongside Small Dog. Getting to partner with Netflix and have Rachel attached is a thrill and testament to the brilliance of the scripts.”

    Where else can we see Rachel Weisz?

    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.' Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Weisz, of course, is no stranger to screens big and small, having appeared in movies such as 1999’s ‘The Mummy’ (and its sequel, ‘The Mummy Returns’) ‘The Favourite,’ ‘The Lovely Bones,’ ‘The Brothers Bloom,’ ‘About a Boy’ and more recently, Marvel’s ‘Black Widow,’ where she played Melina.

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    She reprised the Marvel role (at least her voice) for animated series ‘What If…?’ and was one of the driving forces behind 2023 Prime Video thriller series ‘Dead Ringers,’ itself an adaptation of the book that inspired the eponymous 1988 David Cronenberg movie.

    Next up for Weisz is Thomas Alfredson’s drama ‘Séance on a Wet Afternoon,’ which is in pre-production.

    When will ‘Vladimir’ be on screens?

    Given that the cameras have yet to roll on the new limited series, we don’t see this hitting Netflix’s servers much before 2026.

    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.' Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    List of Rachel Weisz Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Rachel Weisz Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Dead Ringers’: Trailer for the new TV Adaptation

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    Can you bring the psychological terror and body horror of a David Cronenberg movie to TV? If you have the less scope of streaming, and a Prime Video budget, you can certainly give it a try.

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    In Cronenberg’s original 1988 movie ‘Dead Ringers’, Jeremy Irons stars as the Mantle brothers: both doctors –– gynecologists –– and identical twins. Mentally however, one of them is more confident than the other, and always manages to seduce the women he meets. When he’s tired of his current partner, she is passed on to the other brother… without her knowing. Everything runs smoothly, at least until an actress visits their clinic, and the shy brother is the first to fall in love. Will they be able to ‘share’ her ?

    The concept has now been updated, and gender swapped, to star Rachel Weisz in a limited series. The trailer, set to Soft Cell’s 1981 synth cover of “Tainted Love,” teases a very different storyline compared to the original film, focusing on the twin’s experiments to change the very way women can give birth.

    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Courtesy of Prime. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    What’s the story for the new ‘Dead Ringers’?

    Weisz stars in the lead dual roles of Elliot and Beverly Mantle. They are twin gynecologists who share everything: drugs, lovers, and an unapologetic desire to do whatever it takes — including pushing the boundaries on medical ethics — in an effort to challenge antiquated practices and bring women’s health care to the forefront.

    The twins are very different despite their identical faces –– and that, plus their drive to change the field of medicine promises some big trouble ahead.

    Jennifer Ehle in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Jennifer Ehle in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.

    Related Article: Movie Review: ‘Crimes of the Future’

    Who else is involved in ‘Dead Ringers’?

    Rachel Weisz also serves as an executive producer for the limited series, which is created, written, and executive produced by Emmy-nominated writer and playwright Alice Birch, who worked on ‘Normal People’.

    Sean Durkin (who made ‘Martha Marcy May Marlene’, ‘The Nest’, and upcoming wrestling drama ‘The Iron Claw’) directed the first two episodes and co-directed the last episode of the series. The directing roster also boasts ‘Jennifer’s Body’s Karyn Kusama, ‘Snowfall’ veteran Karena Evans and ‘Y: The Last Man’s Lauren Wolkstein.

    And in front of the camera, ‘Dead Ringers’ ensemble cast includes Britne Oldford as Genevieve, Poppy Liu as Greta, Michael Chernus as Tom, Jennifer Ehle as Rebecca and Emily Meade as Susan.

    In an unusual move, the trailer’s release was actually delayed by a day in light of the Nashville school shooting which left three children and three adults dead. The release was delayed out of respect for the families and victims of the tragedy, not due to the content of the series or trailer, which does not involve a shooting.

    All six episodes of ‘Dead Ringers’ will launch on Prime Video on April 21st.

    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz and Michael Chernus in 'Dead Ringers.'
    (L to R) Rachel Weisz and Michael Chernus in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Rachel Weisz in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Rachel Weisz in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Poppy Liu in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Poppy Liu in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    Britne Oldford in 'Dead Ringers.'
    Britne Oldford in ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Niko Tavernise/Prime Video. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    A scene from 'Dead Ringers.'
    A scene from ‘Dead Ringers.’ Credit: Courtesy of Prime. Copyright: Amazon Studios.
    ‘Dead Ringers’ will launch on Prime Video on April 21st.
    ‘Dead Ringers’ will launch on Prime Video on April 21st.

    Movies Similar to ‘Dead Ringers:’

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  • ‘Black Widow’ Review: Marvel Makes a Great Spy Thriller

    ‘Black Widow’ Review: Marvel Makes a Great Spy Thriller

    Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanov in 'Black Widow'
    Scarlett Johansson as Natasha Romanov in ‘Black Widow’

    It’s a shame we didn’t get this ‘Black Widow‘ movie a few years ago, because it’s hard to imagine that Marvel Studios wouldn’t have found a different path for Scarlett Johansson‘s Natasha Romanov in ‘Avengers: Endgame.’ This is a satisfying spy movie set in the larger MCU, and although the baton is definitely passed, we’re definitely going to miss the Black Widow that makes a final appearance in this movie.

    The story starts off in Ohio in 1995, with a young Natasha and Yelena under the care of their parents, Melina (Rachel Weisz) and Alexei (David Harbour). If you’ve seen ‘The Americans’ or ‘Little Nikita,’ you have a pretty good idea what’s going on; the family is a cover for a Russian espionage operation that’s coming to a climax. Natasha and her “family” make a narrow escape from S.H.I.E.L.D. agents, and then it’s off to Cuba for a reunion with the man behind the mission, Dreykov (Ray Winstone), before heading back to Mother Russia. But young Natasha is having none of it; she and Yelena want to stay in the states, but they get pulled apart, drugged, and shipped off to the infamous Red Room to become tools of the state.

    Years later, we see Natasha on the run, after the events of ‘Captain America: Civil War.’ She’s almost captured by Thunderbolt Ross (William Hurt), with this moment serving to give us a guide as to when this movie is happening in the MCU timeline. Meanwhile, in Morocco, Yelena (Florence Pugh) is targeting a fellow agent, but when Yelena is sprayed by a mysterious red dust, she seems to suddenly realize she’s been under some sort of mind control. The rest of her team promptly turns on her, before another narrow escape – it seems these run in the family.

    Natasha finds Yelena hiding in her own Budapest safe house, the two “sisters” team up to find out what’s controlling the minds of the other agents in the Widow program. To find that out, they’ll end up needing the help of both of their “parents,” and the stage is set for what turns out to be a pretty effective spy thriller.

    It must be said that Florence Hugh almost completely steals the whole movie; her Yelena manages to push Natasha’s buttons in a way no one else in the MCU has before, and her specific comments about Natasha’s fighting poses are pitch perfect. Hugh and Johansson have a breezy chemistry together, letting us see two women that work together effectively while still bringing up old family grudges.

    While we’re talking about family, Harbour and Weisz give us former parental figures that still have real affection for their ersatz daughters, showing very real regret at what would later happen to the two girls. As with any family, there is teasing and sniping that’s hinting at decades of emotion, and all four of these actors sell it well. Weisz shows us a Melina that is trying (and failing) to convince herself that her patriotism justifies her actions. Bombastic Alexei may seem to be gleefully reliving his past glories, but Harbour lets us see that Alexei is also hiding his own regret and loss.

    Director Cate Shortland has put together a pretty impressive effort here; she impresses with the action set pieces, while showing us a family that is trying to heal old wounds. We’ve waited a long time for a solo story for Natasha, and Shortland’s movie delivers an emotional arc for Nat that hits all the right emotional notes, while fitting within the greater MCU storyline. We know what’s coming for Black Widow, but that doesn’t take away from the resonance here.

    There’s not much to say about the Taskmaster character that won’t quickly dip into spoiler territory, except that the stunt coordinators have done a great job showing us someone that can mimic the fighting styles of other characters, such as Hawkeye and Captain America, and even Black Widow herself. My only complaint here is that Ray Winstone seems a bit underused, and that the mind control plot isn’t that engaging. Although compared to an Infinity Gauntlet, what would be?

    In the end, this is one of the better entries in the MCU franchise, and worth seeing on the big screen.

    4.5 stars.
    ‘Black Widow’ is in theaters and on Disney+.

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  • New Trailer for Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’

    New Trailer for Marvel’s ‘Black Widow’

    Scarlett Johansson returns as Natasha Romanov in Black Widow
    Scarlett Johansson returns as Natasha Romanov, AKA ‘Black Widow’

    Scarlett Johansson returns as Natasha Romanov, the former KGB assassin-turned-S.H.E.I.L.D.-agent (and eventual Avenger).

    ‘Black Widow’ will be in theaters on May 1, 2020.

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    It’s been a long wait for this film. Johansson first appeared as Natasha back in 2010’s Iron Man 2, and that year Marvel chief Kevin Feige spoke plans for a solo outing for Black Widow. But that was almost ten years ago, and a Nat’s been through a lot; appearances six other MCU films (not counting cameos in post-credits scenes), Captain Marvel cut in line to be the first female Marvel character to get her own solo film, and Natasha didn’t survive the events of Avengers: Endgame.

    At this point Marvel is being pretty tight-lipped about the story, saying only this:

    Scarlett Johansson reprises her role as Natasha/Black Widow in Marvel Studios’ action-packed spy thriller “Black Widow”—the first film in Phase Four of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Florence Pugh stars as Yelena, David Harbour as Alexei aka The Red Guardian and Rachel Weisz as Melina.

    But we can glean a few things from both Marvel’s statement and trailer itself:

    This is pretty obviously going to be a prequel, and based on the appearance of a CGI de-aged William Hurt as Thaddeus Ross, my guess is that the movie likely takes place during a time when Romanov was a S.H.E.I.L.D. agent.

    Florence Pugh is playing Yelena Bolova, a Marvel character that’s taken up the mantle of Black Widow in the past. That means we might see Pugh as a new Black Widow in subsequent films.

    David Harbour & Rachel Weisz’ characters seem to join Natasha and Yelena as a family of sorts, and remember that Natasha would remark on how she found a new family in Avengers: Endgame.

    Any more speculation would lead us deep in to spoiler territory, so we’ll just wait for more footage and more news before saying anymore.

  • There Will Be Multiple Black Widows in the ‘Black Widow’ Movie

    There Will Be Multiple Black Widows in the ‘Black Widow’ Movie

    Marvel

    Scarlett Johansson‘s Natasha Romanoff won’t be the only assassin called Black Widow in Marvel’s solo “Black Widow” movie.

    At Comic-Con, Rachel Weisz told IGN in a video interview that she and costar Florence Pugh of “Midsommar” are also Black Widows.

    “There are quite a number,” she gold IGN. “I’m a Black Widow and there’s Scarlett and Florence. There’s quite a bit of other characters you’ll also meet that are Black Widows.”

    Weisz said that her character Melina has been through the rigorous Black Widow program five times since childhood and is “a highly accomplished spy and assassin.”

    Fans are speculating that she could also be playing Iron Maiden or Taskmaster.
    Weisz has previously said that Taskmaster has a significant role in the story, while declining to elaborate.

    The story for the film is set in Budapest and takes place between “Captain America: Civil War” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”

    That’s when Natasha went into exile after letting Captain America (Chris Evans) and the Winter Soldier (Sebastian Stan) escape during the big airport battle.

    Once in Budapest, she reunites with Yelena (Pugh) who presumably underwent the same training as she did. We expect to see flashbacks to her training in the Red Room.

    Production on the film is expected to last through September. “Black Widow’ is slated for a release date of May 1, 2020.

    [Via Geek Tyrant, IGN, Digital Spy]

  • 11 Things You Never Knew About ‘The Brothers Bloom’ on its 10th Anniversary

    11 Things You Never Knew About ‘The Brothers Bloom’ on its 10th Anniversary

    Summit Entertainment

    After director Rian Johnson made his critically beloved debut in “Brick,” but before he became the man who either saved or ruined “Star Wars” (depending whom you ask), he gave us “The Brothers Bloom.” This goofy crime movie helped further cement Johnson as a rising star in Hollywood. Celebrate the tenth anniversary of Johnson’s sophomore film some fun trivia about the making of “The Brothers Bloom.”

    1. Johnson began developing “The Brothers Bloom” several years before Brick materialized. He’s cited 1973’s “Paper Moon” as his biggest influence on the film.

    2. The screenplay was included in the 2006 Black List, a roundup of the most acclaimed scripts yet to be produced.

    Summit Entertainment

    3. While the film isn’t strictly based on any existing works, the main three characters are all inspired by characters from James Joyce’s “Ulysses.”

    4. Johnson originally wanted Mark Ruffalo to play Bloom Bloom instead of Stephen Bloom. Ruffalo and Adrien Brody convinced him to swap their roles.

    Summit Entertainment

    5. Johnson intended from the beginning for Bang Bang to have little or no dialogue. Not counting the karaoke scene, Rinko Kikuchi only speaks three words over the course of the entire movie.

    6. Penelope’s home is actually the Peleș Castle, which is located in Sinaia, Romania.

    Summit Entertainment

    7. Ricky Jay, who provides the voice of the narrator, is actually a skilled sleight of hand magician himself. Johnson originally wanted to cast Jay as Maximillen Melville, but Jay’s busy schedule made that impossible.

    8. Rachel Weisz spent weeks ensuring she could convincingly perform Penelope’s numerous talents in the film. That included recruiting Brody’s help in learning how to skateboard.

    Summit Entertainment

    9. Weisz eventually became skilled enough at card tricks to perform the single-take trick scene on her own with no assistance or digital manipulation.

    10. The reason Tom Cruise is given a “special thanks” credit in the film is because Cruise expressed an early interest in the project. While Cruise never officially became involved with “The Brothers Bloom,” Johnson has said his detailed feedback significantly improved the final script.

    Paramount Pictures

    11. Johnson brought back “Brick” stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Lukas Haas to play cameo roles in the bar scene early in the film.

  • 15 Things You Never Knew About ‘The Mummy’ on its 20th Anniversary

    15 Things You Never Knew About ‘The Mummy’ on its 20th Anniversary

    Universal Pictures

    It’s been 20 years since Universal delivered one of the best movie reboots of all time in “The Mummy.” No amount of lackluster sequels, direct-to-video spinoffs or re-reboots will dull the appeal of this modern-day classic. Celebrate that anniversary with some fun facts you might not know about the making of “The Mummy.”

    1. Universal originally planned on rebooting “The Mummy” as a low-budget horror film in the early 1990’s. Clive Barker was attached to direct, and the film would have focused on a modern-day museum curator attempting to raise an army of undead mummies.

    2. Tom Cruise was originally offered the lead role but turned it down. Cruise would go on to star in the 2017 reboot instead.

    Universal Pictures

    3. Because of the dangerous political situation in Egypt, most of the filming had to be done in Morocco instead.

    4. Even Morocco had its significant dangers. All the main cast members had to have kidnapping insurance. Director Stephen Sommers opted not to inform his cast of this detail until after production wrapped.

    Universal Pictures

    5. Brendan Fraser nearly lost his life while filming the hanging scene. According to Rachel Weisz, he stopped breathing and had to be resuscitated.

    6. Fraser’s colleagues didn’t fare much better. Everyone on set was required to drink a specially created beverage every two hours in order to stay hydrated, and numerous crew members were hospitalized after being bitten or stung by poisonous animals.

    Universal Pictures

    7. The collapsing library stunt was achieved in a single take. That’s fortunate for the crew, as rebuilding the set would have taken a full day’s work.

    8. The character Ardeth Bay was originally supposed to have been killed off in the film’s climax, but Sommers rewrote that part after realizing he liked Oded Fehr too much. Fehr would instead reprise his role in “The Mummy Returns.”

    Universal Pictures

    9. Bay is also intended as an homage to the 1932 film. In that version, Imhotep himself takes up the cover identity of Ardeth Bay (an anagram for “Death by Ra”) when he tries to pass himself off as a modern Egyptian.

    10. One of the background extras can be seen wearing a cloak that was originally worn by Sir Alec Guinness during the filming of “Star Wars.” This was only discovered after filming was completed.

    Lucasfilm

    11. That cloak wasn’t the only classic Hollywood prop o be re-purposed during production. Many of the plastic dummies used to depict Imhotep’s victims were previously featured in 1985’s “Lifeforce.”

    12. Sommers originally planned on paying tribute to the classic Universal logo during the opening of the film. While he abandoned the idea, he re-purposed it in 2004’s “Van Helsing” instead.

    Universal Pictures

    13. If you’re wondering how scarabs could survive so long in Imhotep’s tomb without a food source, an earlier draft of the screenplay revealed that the scarabs themselves were affected by Imhotep’s curse after biting him.

    14. There are technically eight films in this incarnation of the “Mummy” franchise. The original film spawned two direct sequels and the 2003 spinoff “The Scorpion King,” which itself currently has three sequels and one prequel.

    Universal Pictures

    15. “The Mummy” and “The Mummy Returns” also inspired an animated series that ran for two seasons between 2001 and 2003.

  • Rachel Weisz in Talks to Join ‘Black Widow’ Movie

    Rachel Weisz in Talks to Join ‘Black Widow’ Movie

    Rachel Weisz in The Favourite
    Fox Searchlight Pictures

    Rachel Weisz is heading for a different kind of costume drama.

    The actress, fresh off an Oscar nomination for “The Favourite,” is in early talks to join Marvel’s “Black Widow” standalone movie, starring Scarlett Johansson, according to Variety.

    This comes on the heels of earlier news that David Harbour is jumping on board the film.

    Details of Weisz’s potential character are still unknown.

    The globe-trotting story will center on Natasha Romanoff, the spy who was trained by the KGB before becoming an agent of SHIELD and an Avenger. Also unknown: If this movie will take place before or after the events of the upcoming “Avengers: Endgame.”

    Weisz is coming off an acclaimed performance in “The Favourite.” She previously won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for “The Constant Gardener.”

  • Rachel Weisz to Star in and Produce ‘Lanny’ Film Adaptation

    Rachel Weisz to Star in and Produce ‘Lanny’ Film Adaptation

    Rachel Weisz in The Favourite
    Fox Searchlight Pictures

    Max Porter’s second novel, “Lanny,” hasn’t been released yet, but there is already a movie in the works, not to mention an Oscar-winning actress on board. Rachel Weisz will star in the “Lanny” adaptation, Variety reports. She is also producing with Tristan Goligher of The Bureau.

    The book follows the success of Porter’s debut novel, “Grief Is the Thing With Feathers.” Due out May 14, “Lanny” tells the story of a boy who vanishes from a small village outside of London. Character details haven’t been revealed, but that isn’t surprisingly considering a script still needs to be written. Producers are reportedly looking for a screenwriter now.

    Weisz most recently starred in “The Favourite” and earned an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She previously won in that category after starring in 2005’s “The Constant Gardener.” It may be that she’s found her next winner, but we’ll have to wait and see.

    [via: Variety]