Over the past few decades, the mummies featured in Universal’s long line of Mummy movies were portrayed by male actors. It was almost like a curse because the only Universal film that featured a female mummy was 1944’s “The Mummy’s Curse”.
Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Universal will break the ancient curse as “Kingsman: The Secret Service” star Sofia Boutella is in talks to play the titular role of “The Mummy” reboot.
“The Mummy” reboot is planned to be the first picture in a string of interconnected monster movies as Universal is hoping to create a cinematic universe through its classic creature features. Other monster films may centre around the characters of Dracula, the Invisible Man, Frankenstein, vampire hunter Van Helsing, and the Bride of Frankenstein.
“The Amazing Spider-Man 2” writer and producer Alex Kurtzman will be directing the reboot based on Jon Spaihts’ screenplay. He will also produce alongside “Fast & Furious 7” writer Chris Morgan and Sean Daniel. Both Kurtzman and Morgan are hired by Universal to develop a universe out of the studio’s shared monster universe.
Ealier in November, it was also reported that Tom Cruise is in talks to star in “The Mummy” reboot too.
The original “Mummy” film series stars Brendan Fraser in the leading role. The story follows Navy Seal Tyler Colt and his mission in the Iraqi desert to find a group of terrorists hiding out in a bunker.
He and his team were surprised about the fact that the terrorists within the bunker turned out to be some grave robbers who have all magically died. Tyler and his team entered the bunker and succumbed to some mystical forces out of their control. They then realised the bunker they have entered is actually a centuries-old tomb.
In “Kingsman”, Boutella played the blade-legged assassin who worked for a villain portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson. The film boosted Boutella’s acting career that secured her a role in Paramount’s upcoming “Star Trek Beyond“. She also managed to snag a role in a film titled “The Coldest City”, which is currently in pre-production.
“The Mummy” reboot is set to be released on 24th March 2017.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter.
