Nearly 30 years after the release of the iconic The Mummy film, the cast came together for a memorable reunion at the 2025 Fan Expo Denver.
Brendan Fraser (Rick O’Connell), Patricia Velásquez (Anck-Su-Namun), John Hannah (Jonathan Carnahan), and Oded Fehr (Ardeth Bay) reunited for a photo-op, sparking nostalgia among fans. The event took place on July 6, marking 26 years since the film first hit theaters in 1999.
While the reunion was a joyous occasion for fans, two major stars were noticeably absent: Rachel Weisz (Evelyn Carnahan) and Arnold Vosloo (Imhotep). Despite their absence, the reunion still excited many, with fans taking to social media to express their excitement.
One Instagram user shared their thoughts, saying, “The Mummy is one of the most underrated action-adventure films in the last 30 years! Just a classic.” Another fan added, “The Mummy and Mummy Returns are two of my favorite adventure movies of all time!”
Fans also commented on how Fehr, who is now 54, still exuded the same charm and style as his character, Ardeth Bay, nearly three decades later. One person even wrote, “Oded’s hair & beard are still Glorious.”
The Iconic Film and Its Legacy
Released in 1999, The Mummy quickly became a box office success, grossing more than $400 million worldwide. Set in 1925, the movie followed adventurer Rick O’Connell (Brendan Fraser) and Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz) as they race to stop a 3,000-year-old vengeful priest, Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), from wreaking havoc after tomb raiders accidentally awaken him.
Along the way, they’re joined by Jonathan Carnahan (John Hannah), Evelyn’s brother, and Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), a member of the Medjai, who protect the tombs and secrets of Egypt. The film’s combination of action, adventure, and supernatural intrigue made it a beloved classic.
The movie was a remake of the 1932 classic The Mummy and led to two sequels: The Mummy Returns (2001) and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008). While these films continued the franchise’s success, the 2017 Mummy reboot starring Tom Cruise failed to meet the high standards set by its predecessors.
Fraser’s Take on the 2017 Reboot
During the Fan Expo Denver panel, Brendan Fraser was asked about the 2017 reboot of The Mummy, which was part of Universal’s Dark Universe plan. Fraser, who portrayed the lead role in the original trilogy, shared his thoughts on why the reboot didn’t live up to expectations.
“I really don’t know. I know Tom Cruise tried to make his movie, and it ain’t easy! We all know how hard this movie is to make,” Fraser said, seated alongside his co-stars. He also shared that while the third Mummy film, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, wasn’t perfect, it was still a fun and thrilling ride that people wanted to see again.
Fraser emphasized, “With the exception of three [The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor], the thing with all of these films is that, at least it was fun, it was a thrill ride, and you wanted to do it again.” He concluded, “You’ve just got to give everybody what they really, really want.”
The Mummy’s Enduring Popularity
Though it’s been decades since the original film’s release, The Mummy continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans. The film celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, a milestone that brought even more attention to the movie’s lasting impact on pop culture.
From the action-packed scenes to the beloved characters, The Mummy remains one of the most iconic adventure films in the past 30 years. Fans of all ages still celebrate the film’s thrilling escapades, and it’s clear that the cast’s chemistry and the film’s charm have stood the test of time.
