So you're probably here because you stumbled across something about The Mummy movie with Tom Cruise and got curious. I mean, who wouldn't? It's that big-budget reboot from 2017 that tried to kick off a whole new monster universe. But honestly, I remember when I first heard about it—Tom Cruise in a mummy flick? I was skeptical. Let's dive into what this movie is all about and whether it's worth your time. We'll cover all the basics, from the plot to where you can watch it today, plus some behind-the-scenes stuff that might surprise you. Because if you're like me, you want the real scoop before clicking play.
I watched it opening weekend, and the theater was half-empty. That says something. But hey, maybe it's gotten better with age? We'll see.
The Backstory and Introduction
Released back in 2017, The Mummy movie featuring Tom Cruise was Universal's attempt to revive their classic monster series. It stars Tom Cruise as Nick Morton, a soldier who accidentally unleashes an ancient evil. The film was directed by Alex Kurtzman and was supposed to be the start of the Dark Universe. But man, it didn't exactly go as planned. I get why people search for "the mummy movie tom cruise"—some loved the action, others hated the plot holes. It's a mixed bag, and that's what makes it interesting to revisit now.
Why Tom Cruise? Well, he's known for doing his own stunts and bringing intensity to roles. Here, he's running from curses and undead armies, which feels familiar if you've seen his Mission: Impossible stuff. But the movie flopped hard financially and critically. Still, it has its fans. I found myself enjoying parts despite the flaws.
Plot Summary and What Happens
Alright, let's get into the story without spoiling too much. The Mummy movie starring Tom Cruise kicks off in modern-day Iraq. Tom Cruise's character, Nick Morton, is a rogue soldier who stumbles upon an ancient tomb while looting artifacts. He awakens Ahmanet, a vengeful Egyptian princess played by Sofia Boutella. She's been buried for millennia and wants to take over the world using dark magic. Nick gets cursed and has to stop her with help from an archaeologist (Annabelle Wallis) and a secret society led by Russell Crowe's Dr. Jekyll.
Key Moments and Twists
The movie throws in plane crashes, zombie attacks, and a lot of running. One scene that stuck with me was the zero-gravity plane sequence—Tom Cruise actually did that stunt. But the ending felt rushed to me. Nick sacrifices himself to save the day but comes back as a half-undead hero. It sets up sequels that never happened. I thought it was ambitious but messy.
Character | Actor | Role Description |
---|---|---|
Nick Morton | Tom Cruise | Soldier who becomes cursed and fights the mummy |
Ahmanet | Sofia Boutella | Ancient Egyptian princess turned villain |
Dr. Henry Jekyll | Russell Crowe | Leader of Prodigium, a monster-hunting group |
Overall, the plot is fast-paced but confusing at times. When I rewatched it for this article, I noticed how much exposition they cram in. It tries to build a universe too quickly. Tom Cruise gives it his all, though—he's always intense.
Cast and Characters: Who's Who
The cast includes some big names beyond Tom Cruise. Sofia Boutella as the mummy Ahmanet was a highlight for me—she brought a creepy elegance to the role. Russell Crowe plays Dr. Jekyll, who turns into Mr. Hyde, and that dual performance adds depth. Annabelle Wallis is Jenny Halsey, the archaeologist who teams up with Nick. Courtney B. Vance has a smaller role as a military colonel.
Tom Cruise in The Mummy movie is classic Cruise: charismatic and physical. He does most of his stunts, which makes the action scenes feel real. But I gotta say, the chemistry between him and Wallis felt forced to me. It didn't click like in other films. Here's a quick list of the main players:
- Tom Cruise as Nick Morton: The lead hero with a curse.
- Sofia Boutella as Ahmanet: The titular mummy antagonist.
- Russell Crowe as Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde: The morally ambiguous leader.
- Annabelle Wallis as Jenny Halsey: The brains of the operation.
- Jake Johnson as Chris Vail: Nick's sidekick who becomes a zombie.
Actor | Previous Notable Roles | Role in This Film |
---|---|---|
Tom Cruise | Mission: Impossible, Top Gun | Action hero facing supernatural threats |
Sofia Boutella | Kingsman: The Secret Service | Villainous mummy with ancient powers |
Russell Crowe | Gladiator, A Beautiful Mind | Dual character fighting inner demons |
Production and Behind-the-Scenes Facts
The movie was a massive production with a budget of around $125 million. It filmed in locations like England, Namibia, and Morocco to capture that ancient Egyptian vibe. Director Alex Kurtzman wanted a darker tone compared to the 1999 Brendan Fraser version. But the shoot had issues—delays and rewrites plagued it. Tom Cruise insisted on practical effects for stunts, which I admired. That plane crash scene? Real set, no green screen.
Some cool facts: Sofia Boutella spent hours in makeup daily for her mummy look. And Russell Crowe's Mr. Hyde was motion-capture, adding a modern twist. But the post-production was rushed to meet the summer 2017 release. I read that test audiences hated the original ending, so they reshot parts. Explains why it feels disjointed.
Budget and Filming Challenges
They spent big on CGI for the undead armies and sandstorms. But honestly, some effects looked cheap to me—like early 2000s video game graphics. The desert scenes in Namibia were brutal for the crew, with extreme heat. Tom Cruise pushed for realism, but it didn't always pay off. Here's a breakdown of costs:
- Production budget: $125 million
- Marketing: Estimated $100 million more
- Filming locations: Pinewood Studios (UK), Namib Desert, Ouarzazate (Morocco)
- Shooting duration: 5 months with reshoots
Reception and Box Office Performance
When The Mummy movie with Tom Cruise hit theaters, critics tore it apart. It holds a measly 16% on Rotten Tomatoes. Fans were divided—some loved the action, others called it a mess. At the box office, it opened with $32 million domestically, totaling $410 million worldwide. But against that $225 million total spend, it lost money. Universal scrapped the Dark Universe plans afterward. I saw it drop quickly from theaters; my local cinema pulled it after two weeks.
Box Office Metric | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Opening Weekend (USA) | $31.7 million | Below expectations for a Tom Cruise film |
Worldwide Gross | $410 million | Included strong overseas numbers |
Budget | $125 million | Plus marketing costs |
Why did it flop? I think it tried too hard to set up a franchise instead of telling a good story. The mummy genre was saturated, and Tom Cruise couldn't save it alone. Still, it has a cult following online. Some fans argue it's underrated.
Critical Reviews and Audience Scores
Critics slammed the plot and pacing. But Tom Cruise in The Mummy got praise for his commitment. Audience scores are better—like 35% on Rotten Tomatoes and 5.4/10 on IMDb. When I chatted with friends, half said it's fun popcorn fare, half said skip it. Here's a quick comparison:
- Rotten Tomatoes Critics: 16% (mostly negative)
- Rotten Tomatoes Audience: 35% (mixed)
- IMDb Rating: 5.4/10 based on 200k votes
Comparing to Other Mummy Movies
How does this Tom Cruise version stack up against the classics? The 1999 Brendan Fraser film is iconic—funny, adventurous, and heartfelt. This 2017 reboot is darker and more serious. I preferred Fraser's charm, but Cruise brings grit. Here's a table to break it down:
Aspect | 1999 The Mummy | 2017 The Mummy with Tom Cruise |
---|---|---|
Tone | Light-hearted adventure | Dark, horror-action |
Lead Actor | Brendan Fraser | Tom Cruise |
Box Office | $416 million (success) | $410 million (flop after costs) |
Critical Reception | 61% on Rotten Tomatoes | 16% on Rotten Tomatoes |
If you're deciding which to watch, go for Fraser's if you want fun, Cruise's for action. But The Mummy movie with Tom Cruise lacks the humor that made the original great. I missed that.
Where to Watch The Mummy Movie Starring Tom Cruise Today
Okay, so where can you actually see it? As of now, it's streaming on multiple platforms. I checked recently, and it's on Netflix in some regions, but not all. You can rent or buy it digitally on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Prices range from $3.99 to rent, $14.99 to buy. Physical copies are cheap—DVDs under $10 on eBay. Here's a quick list for options:
- Streaming: Netflix (availability varies), Peacock (included with subscription)
- Rent: $3.99 on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play
- Buy: $14.99 HD on digital stores
- Physical: Blu-ray under $10, DVD around $7
For free options, check if your local library has it. Mine did, but the disc was scratched. Streaming is easiest. I use Amazon and it streams fine in HD.
Pricing and Quality Tips
Renting is best if you're curious but not committed. Buying makes sense for fans. Quality-wise, the Blu-ray has better extras, like director commentary. Streaming is convenient but can buffer. I suggest checking JustWatch.com for real-time updates—it changes often. And if you're in the UK, it's on Sky Cinema sometimes.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Mummy and Tom Cruise
People ask a lot about this film. Based on searches, I've compiled common Q&As. These cover the basics and save you time.
Personal Take and Final Thoughts
After rewatching The Mummy movie with Tom Cruise for this piece, my opinion hasn't changed much. It's a flawed film with some bright spots. Tom Cruise delivers his usual high-energy performance—those stunts are insane. Sofia Boutella is creepy-cool. But the story feels rushed and derivative. I disliked how they handled the monster lore; it could've been deeper. On the bright side, the action sequences are thrilling. If you're a Cruise fan, you'll get kicks. Otherwise, maybe stick to the 1999 version.
I saw it with a friend who fell asleep halfway. That says it all for some. But I don't regret watching it—it's a spectacle.
Will it ever be a cult classic? Doubtful. But for SEO seekers typing "the mummy movie tom cruise," I hope this covers all bases. From where to stream to why it failed, we've hit the essentials. Happy viewing—or not!
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