Tom Cruise is one of the most iconic action stars in Hollywood, known for his roles in blockbuster films like Top Gun, Mission: Impossible, and Minority Report. In 2017, he took on a new challenge by starring in the reboot of a classic adventure-horror film, The Mummy. But did Tom Cruise actually play in The Mummy? The answer is yes. He starred as the lead character, Nick Morton, in the 2017 version of The Mummy, which was intended to kickstart Universal Pictures’ ambitious Dark Universe franchise.
The Mummy has a rich history in cinema, dating back to the 1930s. The most well-known iteration prior to 2017 was the Mummy trilogy starring Brendan Fraser in the late 1990s and early 2000s. These films combined action, horror, and comedy, and were highly successful. The 2017 reboot sought to reimagine the story for a new generation, with a darker tone and a larger cinematic universe in mind.
Tom Cruise’s Role as Nick Morton
In the 2017 film, Tom Cruise plays Nick Morton, a rogue U.S. Army soldier who doubles as a treasure hunter. While on a mission in Iraq, he accidentally unearths the ancient tomb of Princess Ahmanet, a cursed Egyptian princess played by Sofia Boutella. His character is designed to be charismatic, cunning, and ultimately heroic, though flawed and self-interested at first.
Nick Morton’s arc in the film follows his transformation from a selfish opportunist to someone who takes on immense responsibility. After Ahmanet selects him as a vessel for the god Set, Morton becomes cursed, and the film follows his struggle to break free from her control while saving humanity. Cruise’s performance is intense and action-packed, in keeping with his reputation in the Movie Genre of high-octane adventures.
Overview of The Mummy (2017)
Plot Summary
The film begins with the discovery of Ahmanet’s tomb beneath the sands of Iraq. Nick Morton and his partner, Sergeant Vail, inadvertently unleash her power. As Ahmanet begins to regenerate and wreak havoc, Morton finds himself caught in a supernatural conflict far beyond his understanding. The film moves from the Middle East to London, blending ancient Egyptian mythology with modern-day action.
Morton’s journey involves numerous action sequences, run-ins with undead creatures, and moments of introspection as he begins to understand the weight of his curse. He eventually confronts Ahmanet and sacrifices himself to stop her, only to be resurrected with powers of his own. The ending leaves his future ambiguous, possibly setting him up as a recurring character in future Dark Universe installments, though no sequels were ultimately made.
Supporting Cast and Characters
The supporting cast of The Mummy includes Sofia Boutella as Princess Ahmanet, Annabelle Wallis as archaeologist Jenny Halsey, and Russell Crowe as Dr. Henry Jekyll. Crowe’s role was especially significant, as it was intended to serve as a bridge to the larger Dark Universe franchise. His character leads Prodigium, a secret organization that investigates and combats supernatural threats.
The characters are clearly designed to build a shared cinematic universe, much like Marvel’s or DC’s. Each one has ties to a broader mythology, with references to other classic monsters such as Dracula and Frankenstein’s monster. More on these efforts can be found in the context of the Film industry and its pursuit of interconnected franchises.
Critical Reception and Audience Response
Mixed Reviews
Upon its release, The Mummy (2017) received mixed to negative reviews. Critics praised the production design, action sequences, and Cruise’s dedication to performing his own stunts. However, many felt that the film lacked a clear identity. It was criticized for being too focused on setting up a cinematic universe rather than telling a compelling standalone story.
On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a low rating, and many reviews point to an inconsistent tone and underdeveloped characters. While Cruise’s performance was generally acknowledged as solid, it wasn’t enough to save the film from being considered a disappointment. The movie tried to combine horror, action, and comedy, but struggled to balance these elements effectively.
Box Office Performance
Financially, The Mummy earned approximately $410 million worldwide on a budget of around $125 million. While this might seem successful, it underperformed in key markets like the United States. Additionally, high marketing costs and lackluster word-of-mouth made it less profitable than anticipated. As a result, plans for the Dark Universe were shelved.
The tepid response led Universal to reconsider its approach to reviving classic monster properties. Instead of large interconnected films, the studio later opted for smaller, director-driven projects like The Invisible Man (2020), which received critical acclaim. This pivot shows how the Adventure Movie Plots formula may benefit from tighter storytelling and clearer focus.
The Dark Universe and Its Demise
What Was the Dark Universe?
The Dark Universe was Universal Pictures’ attempt to create a shared cinematic universe featuring modern reboots of its classic monster characters. These included Dracula, Frankenstein, The Wolfman, and The Invisible Man. The Mummy was intended to be the launching point, with Russell Crowe’s Dr. Jekyll acting as a connective character, similar to Nick Fury in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
However, the failure of The Mummy caused the entire plan to unravel. Several announced films, including Bride of Frankenstein and The Invisible Man starring Johnny Depp, were quietly canceled or reworked. Universal eventually abandoned the shared universe strategy and allowed filmmakers more creative control over standalone projects.
The Impact on Future Monster Films
The commercial and critical performance of The Mummy had a ripple effect on future monster films. Instead of focusing on grand-scale, interconnected plots, studios began to prioritize character-driven storytelling. The success of The Invisible Man (2020), directed by Leigh Whannell and produced on a modest budget, demonstrated that audiences are more receptive to well-crafted narratives than to forced franchise building.
This shift also illustrates changing trends within the Adventure Movie Reviews space. Viewers want more than explosions and special effects; they want emotional depth, smart writing, and originality.
Legacy of Tom Cruise’s Performance
Cruise’s Approach to the Role
Tom Cruise is known for giving 100% to his roles, often performing dangerous stunts himself. In The Mummy, he did not disappoint in this regard. One of the most memorable scenes in the film involves a crashing plane, and Cruise performed this sequence in a real zero-gravity airplane to achieve authentic reactions and movement. His commitment to realism remains unmatched in the action genre.
However, some critics felt that his star power may have overshadowed the rest of the story. The film seemed to center more on Cruise than on developing the mythology of the mummy or building tension. This imbalance may have contributed to the film’s inability to connect with audiences.
Reevaluation Over Time
As with many underwhelming films, The Mummy has found a small cult following over time. Some viewers appreciate its ambitious scope, stunning visuals, and Cruise’s energetic performance. While it is unlikely to be considered a classic, the film remains an interesting chapter in Cruise’s career and in the evolving landscape of Hollywood franchise-making.
Looking back, The Mummy serves as a cautionary tale about the risks of prioritizing universe-building over coherent storytelling. Still, Cruise’s involvement gave the film a certain gravitas that may have helped it avoid complete obscurity.
Conclusion
Yes, Tom Cruise did indeed play in The Mummy—a 2017 reboot that attempted to reinvent a classic horror franchise with a modern, action-oriented twist. His role as Nick Morton was central to the film’s plot and potential future direction within the Dark Universe. Although the film failed to achieve critical and long-term commercial success, Cruise’s performance was a testament to his dedication and star power.
The film’s ambitious goals ultimately clashed with audience expectations, leading to a broader reassessment of how franchises should be built in the modern film era. Despite its shortcomings, The Mummy remains a noteworthy piece of Hollywood history—part experiment, part spectacle, and undeniably a Tom Cruise film through and through.
