Film news: Dwayne Johnson ‘always open’ to ‘The Mummy’ franchise return with Brendan Fraser
Dwayne Johnson is “always open” to return to The Mummy franchise, which birthed his acting career.
Despite switching focus to dramatic performances, Johnson would happily star alongside Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in The Mummy 4, which was recently announced.
Film News Blitz’s Dan Lawrence takes a look at what Johnson had to say.
‘The Mummy 4’ is in the works
It was confirmed back in November that The Mummy 4, with original franchise stars Fraser and Weisz, is in development.
The directing duo behind Ready or Not, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, will be responsible for crafting this new instalment.
Johnson’s acting career began in this franchise
Johnson, who shot to fame as a wrestler in WWE, made his acting debut in 2001’s The Mummy Returns as The Scorpion King, appearing as the lead in that character’s feature film spin-off a year later.
With his acting origins in mind, Johnson reacted positively when quizzed by Entertainment Tonight about whether he’d consider starring in The Mummy 4.
“Aw man I don’t know. I’m always open,” he said.
“That, to be clear this is Brendan Fraser’s franchise. I love that man, he’s one of my great supporters. We support each other.
“If they wanna call the scorpion king I know a guy who knows a guy.
“I would certainly consider it because also that franchise changed my life,” Johnson continued, before adding that “Fraser by the way was the one who okayed me being in that franchise.”
Johnson is diversifying his acting career
While a big franchise return isn’t out of the question, Johnson has been diversifying his acting career.
He was last seen on cinema screens in Benny Safdie’s The Smashing Machine, a true story, A24 produced sporting drama which earned Johnson fair praise for showing off his artistic acting chops.
Johnson will star in Safide’s next film, Lizard Music, and is also reported to be among the cast in an untitled Hawaii-set crime drama from legendary director Martin Scorsese.
That doesn’t mean the former wrestler has given up being in big blockbusters entirely, as he’s currently involved in the thri instalment of his rebeooted Jumnaji franchise, and will return to the Fast & Furious franchise as well.
However, it is refreshing to see Johnson want to balance his career between indie dramas and big franchises like The Mummy, to serve a multitude of cinema audiences.
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