Universal Pictures' long-awaited reboot-sequel, The Mummy Resurrection (2025), directed by Alex Kurtzman, marks a bold return to the ancient sands of Egypt with a new story, new villains, and a nostalgic pulse of adventure that honors the beloved Brendan Fraser-led trilogy while carving its own path. It’s a cinematic resurrection in more ways than one, blending mythology, action, and suspense in a slick, modern package.
Set nearly two decades after the events of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, this film introduces a new protagonist, archaeologist and cryptologist Dr. Layla Hassan (portrayed by Sofia Boutella), who stumbles upon a lost burial site in the Western Desert. Inside, she discovers the tomb of Nefrakare, a forgotten High Priest of Anubis, whose spirit had been imprisoned by ancient protectors. The tomb, sealed with ancient blood curses, warns of doom—but greed and curiosity prevail.
Layla is joined by Jack Connors (played by Joe Keery), a charming but reckless treasure hunter whose lineage, it turns out, is tied to Rick O’Connell himself. When the seal is broken, an ancient evil is unleashed: Nefrakare rises, wielding dark powers and seeking to complete a ritual that could awaken an army of undead and plunge the world into eternal darkness.
From Cairo’s chaotic backstreets to lost cities beneath the desert, The Mummy Resurrection moves at breakneck speed. The film’s action sequences—chariot chases across sand dunes, tomb collapses, and spiritual duels beneath the pyramids—are visually thrilling. Unlike previous iterations, the horror elements here are more emphasized. Nefrakare is not simply a monster, but a spectral force that manipulates fear, appearing through mirrors, sandstorms, and corpses.
One of the film’s strengths lies in its well-paced storytelling. Layla’s backstory—haunted by the disappearance of her father, a renowned Egyptologist—adds emotional depth to the plot. Her growing alliance (and tension) with Jack creates a dynamic reminiscent of O’Connell and Evelyn, but with its own emotional beats and modern twists.
Visually, the movie is stunning. Director of photography Greig Fraser (of Dune fame) delivers sweeping desert vistas, shadowy tombs bathed in torchlight, and eerie dreamscapes where the undead speak in riddles. The practical effects and CGI blend seamlessly, especially in Nefrakare’s transformations and the resurrection scenes, which avoid the overly glossy look of earlier reboots.
Tonally, the film strikes a balance between pulp adventure and mythological horror. It’s darker than Stephen Sommers’ versions but avoids falling into the joyless grit that plagued the 2017 Mummy reboot with Tom Cruise. There are moments of levity—thanks mostly to Jack’s cocky one-liners and a resurrected Jonathan Carnahan (yes, John Hannah returns in a scene-stealing cameo)—but the stakes feel real, and the tension builds toward a genuinely suspenseful climax.
The final act takes place in the lost city of Hamunaptra, which fans will recognize as the setting from the 1999 classic. Here, Layla must confront both Nefrakare and her own fears, discovering that her bloodline is tied to the Medjai—guardians of ancient secrets. The film closes with a massive set-piece involving Anubis statues coming to life, sandstorms devouring armies, and a face-to-face confrontation between Layla and the High Priest. It's both explosive and surprisingly heartfelt.
Sofia Boutella delivers a strong, emotionally grounded performance, balancing intelligence, fear, and strength. Joe Keery brings a roguish energy that never tips into parody. But it’s Oded Fehr’s surprise return as Ardeth Bay—now an aged warrior leading a secret order—that elicits the most cheers from long-time fans. His character bridges the gap between past and present, and his presence lends the film gravitas.
If the movie falters anywhere, it’s in the middle act, which leans slightly too heavily on exposition. Several side characters introduced as allies or rivals lack full development, and a romantic subplot feels somewhat undercooked. Additionally, while Nefrakare is visually terrifying and his backstory compelling, his motivations remain a bit archetypal—dominate the world, resurrect the dead, rule forever.
Yet, for fans of adventure cinema, The Mummy Resurrection hits the right notes. It's not just a reboot—it’s a love letter to a genre that blends action, archaeology, and the supernatural. It’s clear that the filmmakers learned from the mistakes of past reboots: instead of trying to reinvent the wheel, they polished it, respected the mythology, and gave us a worthy new chapter.
The ending leaves room for more. With references to ancient scrolls hidden in other continents, a shadowy organization tracking supernatural relics, and hints of a larger undead pantheon, Universal may finally have the foundation for a shared monster universe that feels earned.
The Mummy Resurrection (2025) is a thrilling, emotionally resonant return to one of cinema’s most beloved adventure franchises. While not without its flaws, it combines dazzling visuals, tense action, and heartfelt performances to breathe new life into ancient legends. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer, this is one resurrection worth witnessing.
Rating: 8.5/10
