Brendan Fraser's Comeback in Hollywood: From The Mummy to Contemporary Adventure Movies - MovieMaker Magazine

      Brendan Fraser was a prominent figure in Hollywood during the 90s, and his recent return to fame has been both surprising and gratifying. After a lengthy absence, Fraser made his comeback with the 2022 film The Whale, where his portrayal earned him an Academy Award. Despite this recent resurgence, many fans will still remember him as Rick O’Connell, the daring hero from the Mummy series. His performances in these films played a significant role in redefining the action-adventure genre, making it worthwhile to reflect on this period and his journey since then.

      Fraser’s Hollywood Comeback

      Let's focus on the comeback. An inspiring real-life Hollywood tale, Fraser revived his career by taking on supporting roles in shows like Doom Patrol and The Affair. This reintroduced audiences to his talent, but it was his portrayal in The Whale that truly brought him back into the limelight. As Charlie, a reclusive, overweight English teacher, Fraser's character attempts to reconcile with his estranged daughter in a role that delved into themes of loneliness, love, and family. An upcoming part in Pressure, which centers on the D-Day landings, promises even more for Fraser’s career.

      Back to Start

      His career took off in the early 90s, as Fraser established himself in Hollywood as a versatile actor with strong comedic timing. After studying at Cornish College, he secured his breakout role in Encino Man, where he portrayed a frozen caveman who comes to life in modern California. His career grew from there, featuring roles alongside Matt Damon and Ben Affleck in School Ties, as well as in Wild Honors and Airheads with Adam Sandler. However, it was in 1999 that he took on his most iconic roles in the hugely successful Mummy trilogy.

      The Mummy Takes Over

      Hollywood has long been captivated by Ancient Egypt, and this fascination extends beyond The Mummy series. The entertainment industry has drawn inspiration from Egypt for decades, with films ranging from Cleopatra (1963) to Gods of Egypt (2016) using it as a backdrop. This influence is also evident in the realm of iGaming, where slots like Book of Dead are inspired by Egyptian mythology, continuing the tradition of blending Ancient Egyptian themes with modern entertainment, similar to what The Mummy accomplished in cinema.

      Released in 1999, The Mummy remains a beloved adventure film known for its undeniable charm and engaging storytelling. Combining humor with adventure, it was a box office success that also led to a spin-off series with The Scorpion King. Fraser's performance was central to this success, as he portrayed the action hero flawlessly in a genre that was already quite crowded at the time.

      A 2017 remake, however, failed to captivate audiences the way the original did, highlighting Fraser's enduring appeal. It’s particularly delightful to witness his resurgence on the big screen and the continued success that is sure to follow with his upcoming projects.