The Mummy: Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz's RARE On-Set Interviews (Flashback)

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz chatted with ET on the set of 1999's horror-adventure classic, 'The Mummy.' In these behind-the-scenes interviews, the actors explained how they were resurrecting the iconic Universal Pictures monster with a comedy and romance-infused update. Rachel shared her excitement for playing Egyptologist and librarian Evie, which became the British actress' breakout role after 'The Mummy' scared up over $400 million at the worldwide box office. As for Brendan, he offered his retroactively accurate prediction that Rick O'Connell would face off against Imhotep more than once on the big screen. Plus, John Hannah, who plays Evie's ne'er-do-well brother, told ET why it was important for the ensemble to give 100% to every scene in the fantasy-fueled epic, from escaping ancient scarabs to the climatic final battle at Hamunaptra.

[@MrMathsimon]

Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser in these movies had the best on-screen chemistry. Such a shame she didn’t come back for 3.

[@nathancruz9172]

That’s the only one condition I have.

[@ozymandias7372]

Wouldn’t blame her for not coming. That movie was not good. And they unnecessarily aged up the john, o connel and evie so they can make the guy who played the son as main guy. And he was boring.

[@yokinakasaki5598]

@@ozymandias7372 I think she was pregnant or just had a baby, that's why she didn't come back.

[@YesYou-]

She was pregnant at the time. The studio didn’t wana wait so they pushed it forward and got her replaced with another girl. Which everybody considered a WHOLE DIFFERENT CHARACTER NOT EVIE😂

[@selenawolf2466]

I'm glad she didn't come back for 3 - easier to ignore it XD I'm hoping we get a 4 with the original cast, and a better writer than 3 had.

[@nyxbrilx]

Every year I have this period when I keep rewatching The Mummy and The Mummy 2. They are my comfort movies, while also being adventurous, smart, hilarious, interesting, scary. And I don’t think there’s ever been a more perfect cast, every single actor is amazing in their role.

[@oddsandwindsocks5905]

I'm with you there

[@lonestarpiper4917]

Same. I really wish we could get one last entry.... Or at least a video game spin off. Brendan is a really good voice actor.

[@smorris7713]

💯💯💯💯

[@VITAS874]

Cartoon also is awesome

[@Punisher6791]

25 years later and its still the perfect summer blockbuster!

[@kokonana4086]

The chemistry between Brendan and Rachel is definitely a secret sauce of this movie's success. Super entertaining to watch!

[@lonestarpiper4917]

Jonathan is perfectly cast as well.

[@jessicaespinosa2205]

Rachel was crushing on him bad, I don’t blame her though 😫🥰

[@Bunny11344]

They would’ve made such a cute couple 😫

[@mytv89626]

Acting. She's Bi. He's gay.

[@jessicaespinosa2205]

@@mytv89626 you must be fun at parties 😂

[@mytv89626]

@@jessicaespinosa2205 How original.

[@Bunny11344]

@@jessicaespinosa2205 he’s so jealous of Brendan 😂

[@leeammorris1268]

They don't make movies like this anymore. Wish they would. Happy Birthday "The Mummy"!!🥳🥳🎉🎉 You're 25 years old now!!

[@christophermichaelclarence6003]

Absolutely love this movie. Couldn’t agree more, it’s a bloody damn shame they don’t make movies like this anymore these days. I’m 4 years older than this film

[@belle-jc8qn]

Now they’re all woke where the woman doesn’t need no man and saves herself. I miss movies like this.

[@MAnuscript421]

Loved seeing the 25th anniversary rerelease in theater.

[@AX5Terminator]

​@belle-jc8qn nothing wrong with a strong woman in movies. Loved Aliens and T2. The problem they have now is bad writing and trying to tie in unnecessary narrative into the movie.

[@daughterofolaf]

@@AX5TerminatorYou are absolutely right. No one seems to know how to do the “strong” woman or empowered woman thing now. We have gone sideways on this.

[@brandonsal5732]

Her subtlety and calm demeanor really just add to her classic looks. She really is beautiful. In so many ways.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

WTF was up with those eyebrows? What was she thinking? Glad they grew back for the sequel.

[@ladybug4508]

@@PhantomFilmAustralia The story took place in 1925. That was the style for women's eyebrows at that time.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

@@ladybug4508 So they style completely died out less than two years later when the sequel set in 1927 was released?

[@ladybug4508]

@@PhantomFilmAustralia It was actually set in 1933, but still, women had that same eyebrow style as in the 20's. But they changed Evy's look so she no longer had period clothing. She was dressed more modern in the sequel, not just her eyebrows but the whole outfit didn't fit the time period the story was set in anymore.

[@mytv89626]

​@@ladybug4508 Watch 30's movies. They still had them. She obviously refused to pluck/shave them again, plus they wanted to look for "Egyptian".

[@theadventuresofaplainjane2504]

The Mummy is my most rewatched movie. I’d watch it over and over as a kid. The actors charms, the comedy and the adventure were so fun to watch!

[@bellamarisa]

Brendan has such a soothing voice to listen to. He’s also absolutely gorgeous.

[@mytv89626]

Had. Was.

[@ADOGNAMEDCUPCAKE]

​@@mytv89626😐

[@fawn_the_fairy5721]

@@mytv89626are you Ashton?? 🤔

[@remyboss17]

@@mytv89626 Exactly! Was is the key word, 🤣🤣🤣😂

[@mikegasper790]

I can't believe this movie is 25 and I still love it as the day I first watched it.

[@nathancruz9172]

Me too. But, my dad got scared of the mummy when, he first saw the mummy in the theaters.

[@Sugarskulls_forever]

I'm happy to hear that Rachel felt safe with Brendan :)

[@jedijones]

They all say that, then they sue for harassment 20 years later. 😆

[@itsmiah2you]

@@jedijonesBrendan was actually harrassed himself unfortunately.

[@mikela1341]

@@itsmiah2you really? wow, that's horrible. Do you know who?

[@mytv89626]

That story is nothing but lies and false accusations. A pinch from a 70 year old grandpa he knew for 10 years is not "harassment". Rachel was safe because Brendan's gay and his beard "wife" was on the set. ​@@mikela1341

[@ghostmonkey0432]

"Show up on time and have a good relationship with people" words to live by.

[@mytv89626]

Sure, while he had his "caregiver". When he divorced her, he went south.

[@user-mc5pl8js9h]

Those were the good old days of my youth, this movie holds special memories 🥰 love this movie, love Brendan. They don't make movies like they used to.

[@robertfeeney9857]

Brendan Fraser as Richard O’Connell was 30 years old and Rachel Reisz as Evelyn Carnahan was 28 years old during this film because they made this film on May 4, 1998 and it came out in the movie theaters🍿🥤🎥 on May 7, 1999 - The Mummy because he was born in 1968 and she was born in 1970!

[@milesgeary6358]

Thry shot the movie in the summer of 98. Rachel was 28 Brendan was 29 (his birthday is in december).

[@mytv89626]

​@@milesgeary6358. Exactly. It always amuses me how people never know how long a movie takes, including pre and post production. Inkheart was released in 2009, but was filmed in 2006. Two of Brendan's unreleased movies were filmed in 2015, with one winding up on Indian tv 5 years later.

[@Dcuniverse60]

​@@milesgeary6358they were you at the time

[@mcrazza]

The Mummy holds up extremely well. Great cast with great chemistry, plenty of action, comedy, romance, a dose of horror, solid special effects, epic soundtrack, Ancient Egypt... It's just bloody good fun. Perfect.

[@annagornas3572]

They had no idea how big a hit this movie would become... They were all perfect, even Benny. 😂 I didn't appreciate The Mummy the first time I saw it in 1999 when it just came out. I didn't know it was gonna be a comedy. There weren't that many people in the theater either, no one went in thinking they were gonna see something amazing. Yet here we are all these years later. I can rewatch this movie 100 times and I won't be bored with it. It's just sad watching Brendan Fraser so full of life and excitement, in his prime as an actor, before all the horrible stuff happened to him. He was a great guy even then, he didn't deserve to be destroyed like that. I hope he has one more mummy movie in him.

[@mytv89626]

He is self-destructive and he lies for sympathy. No one wants to work with an unstable, unreliable, unmedicated schizophrenic. Would you?

[@ladybug4508]

I absolutely love this!! What a gem. Brendan and Rachel are so charming. John Hannah too. I especially deeply appreciate Brendan's interview - his every gesture and his hair blowing in the wind! 😉 And how he contrasts with the character of Rick. Fantastic to watch and listen to. Thank you for posting this little treasure.

[@JazzyBearGames]

This movie holds such a dear place in my heart. Used to watch this every week with my mom growing up. And now I watch it all the time with my husband. Such a good movie and cast. ❤️

[@ladybug4508]

That is so sweet! Totally warmed my heart! ❤

[@Nostalgio]

“This is a family movie.” Rachel this movie scared the absolute crap outta me a kid!! But I LOVED IT!!!

[@maysmovieandgamingdiary20]

The mummy 1999 is my favorite movie 🍿 i can rewatch this movie over and over again and never get tired of it

[@DiegoOspina86]

One of the best terror/adventure saga movies ever

[@Bunny11344]

Still love this movie and the second!!

[@AnimatedBlast]

This was the first adult movie I watched, at age 6 😂. My parents were big fans.

[@christophermichaelclarence6003]

Same here. First adult movie as well. I was 5 when it came out. Absolutely love this film. Good old days

[@AnimatedBlast]

⁠@@christophermichaelclarence6003I was born after the second movie came out. My parents were happy to let me watch this movie, but they didn’t want me to see the second. They thought the second was scarier 😂.

[@christophermichaelclarence6003]

@@AnimatedBlast Lol the Second one less scary than the First

[@AnimatedBlast]

@@christophermichaelclarence6003The first one gave me nightmares 😂.

[@vampirehunter5151]

When times were simpler.

[@magalyprincesscollection2223]

Happy 25 anniversary

[@yourlittlebrotherGabrielReview]

I went to a 25th anniversary showing last weekend and it was so fun. Still holds up after all these years.

[@vimalpatel4060]

I hope the crowd was pumped.. Gabriel.

[@jedijones]

@@vimalpatel4060 I saw it at the anniversary reissue yesterday for the first time ever. I was the only one in the theater!

[@ArdinVincent]

Rick nailing Benny with a wicker chair from across the room is still one of my favourite pieces of cinematography.

[@thelionandthebee1933]

The "Benny" actor was the handsome, romantic poet in "Peggy Sue Got Married". He is still handsome. Just needs a different haircut, and a bit of sun.

[@terminator2judgmentday30th4]

The Mummy was, and still is, one of my favorite movies of all time. I don't remember how many Blu-ray copies of the movie I have; I lost count. It's childhood nostalgia.

[@russellromocean3197]

Just watched on the big screen this weekend....😊

[@simplysam9574]

He is so good looking

[@Bunny11344]

He was too underrated back then

[@mytv89626]

Was. The spray tan, hairpiece, blue contact lenses and dental flipper deserve credit.

[@JaxxStarr81]

Still absolutely gorgeous!

[@mytv89626]

@@JaxxStarr81 Unless you're male and prepubescent, he wouldn't be interested.

[@JaxxStarr81]

@@mytv89626 I’ve seen you on here before, what’s wrong? All you ever do is create baseless lies of Brendan Fraser. It’s pathetic really. You’re pathetic. Are you jealous of him? Hmm?

[@Marcia6859]

Amazing....this has been one of my favorite movies since it came out. I saw this movie about 10 time and I'm watching it again this week. I love Brendan Fraser ❤.

[@kendawyatt3219]

Literally my favorite old movie to watch , no matter how many times I’ve watched it.

[@leighirvine]

Brendan and Rachel would have made the most amazing couple ❤

[@sharonellis8776]

I love Brendan & Rachel together. This movie is so cool.

[@dejabu24]

For me this is a classic up there with Lawrence of Arabia and Indiana Jones , the cast was absolutely perfect and the music jerry goldsmith was a genius

[@austinedmund618]

I saw this movie twice this week in theaters for the 25th anniversary. I was obsessed with this movie and its sequel when I was small and never got the chance to watch the first one in theaters. I’m just sad that I didn’t get to watch this with my dad.

[@kylediel1653]

Man, Brendan Fraser is a super-talented actor. He comes off as both friendly, down to earth, and ultra nervous when talking to people, but when it comes time to play his role, he completely takes on the character traits and personality of the person he's playing. He plays characters that are opposite of himself, and that's when you know you're seeing a talent.

[@ladybug4508]

You are so right about Brendan's remarkable talent. I am constantly amazed at how he can morph right into a character, with all of their individual personality traits, demeanor, voice, mannerisms, facial expressions, just completely inhabiting their skin. He just becomes them. He is so good at it that many people think he really does act like Rick O'Connell or whomever he is playing. Then you see him in an interview, and you realize how different he is from the roles he plays. So many actors don't do that. They play basically the same person role after role, basically themselves. Not Brendan. He really is a chameleon actor. Watching his roles back to back, one is often tempted to say, "THAT was the same actor??" I always suggest that people who are interested in him try to watch anything and everything he's been in...including lots of his often unknown stuff throughout the 90s before he was super famous. Seeing him switch from one disparate character to another is a joy to behold.

[@mytv89626]

​@@ladybug4508 The schizophrenia helps.

[@moongod7158]

one of my favorite movies of all time.

[@kyle6209]

Brandon had no reason looking this good in the movie.

[@mytv89626]

Wig, spray tan, makeup, blue contact lenses, dental flipper.

[@bobbybeltran6142]

Future Oscar winners Brendan Fraser (Best Leading Actor - 2022, "The Whale") and Rachel Weisz (Best Supporting Actress - 2005, "The Constant Gardener").

[@FrancisSyCoCo]

One of the best 90s popcorn flick...

[@KimsLantern]

Hell yeah! I’d feel safe around a man like Brendan Fraser too!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@mytv89626]

Will & Grace.

[@user-sq4jz9up6g]

Saw this.movie after attending my Mom's. Funeral For a couple of hours I could forget Thanks

[@trailerwowkino]

This is the best Mummy that Brandon and Rachel played amazing roles, it’s a pity that there simply won’t be more films like this about the Mummy. I would even call 1 and 2 masterpieces. I still watch these two wonderful films every year several times.😊😊😊😊

[@bbvanztv]

I love this movie

[@nathancruz9172]

Me too

[@u_u8522]

The cast, adventure, comedy, romance, horror… I loved the Mummy 1 2 they made me fascinated with ancient Egypt

[@EUSA1776]

This is my favorite movie. It started my love of history and I credit watching it at 6 years old as a pivotal moment in my life. It’s the perfect popcorn movie. It’s romance, action, history, drama, comedy, magic, all in the right amounts. And prime Rachel Weisz doesn’t hurt either!!

[@cyn2612]

Man i remember going to Universal studies bc of these films, it was magical,seeing the museum, small little pigmys behind the glass coffin, other movie props, i loved all of it.

[@brantfrans8595]

My family and I saw it when it came out. Had such a blast.

[@VlogginLorenzYT]

I love the Mummy! I have watched all three movies!

[@Tam712]

Gosh! Still one of my favourite movies - love it!

[@bvandyke10]

I love love love this move so much. Easily one of my favorites. And Brendan Fraser back then. Ugh. So gorgeous.

[@greeneyedxvampiress]

Thank you so much for uploading this! One of my favorite movies of all time to this day ❤

[@PeanskeanENT]

The Mummy 1 and 2 stand in time, it still looks great

[@BrandonKohout]

This was Brendan Fraser’s magnum opus before he won an Oscar for his performance in The Whale.

[@lolam4209]

Something about this cast - they’re all so good looking

[@VashTheStampede4K]

*3:22* LMAO! I always loved this part, so funny.

[@bt2476]

This movie really was a classic! One of the most fun movies to watch of the last 25 years, no doubt about it. They don’t make em like this anymore. I think I enjoyed this just as much as the Indiana Jones movies. It had more heart and more comedy. Gosh I miss movies like this. Even the soundtrack was wonderful

[@RodneyDollar]

Love this film so much it’s crazy to think this film came 3 months before I was born

[@25sergio06]

You can tell Rachel was feeling a little something when talking about Brendan, bc she described him, emphasized on 'strong' and even kind of repeated her idea of feeling safe around him lol

[@johncallaghan8696]

Absolutely brilliant film. Brendan Fraser was amazing. Fun from start to finish. Steve

[@UltraMaga39]

My favorite action adventure movie. Cannot wait to see this on the big screen today. Happy 25th anniversary The Mummy.

[@minerva-265]

Old times. This is cool, thank you!

[@johanrochac]

I remember when my mom took me to the theater to see this movie! Such great memories

[@lorraineleiner4683]

Great Movie ! Great Cast ! Brendan was So Handsome in this Movie ! 👍❤️👏🌹

[@rickysterling9194]

Hollywood cant movies like this anymore. I miss adventurous treasure seeking movies like these I always watch them atleast once a year & never a dull moment. Real Set,real people In 2024,this entire movie will be made in a studio & a greeen screen. & movie speaks for itself,25 years later people are still watching these. Nobody rewatches MCU movies made after 2019.Same generic formula. Movies should be fun.Not mundane & generic entertainment

[@mytv89626]

This movie used green screen. Watch a BTS video on it..

[@mystique5113]

My favourite movie.❤

[@smorris7713]

Two of my all time faves I & II.❤❤❤❤

[@apxj8994]

Oh my god he used to be sooooo good looking😍

[@mytv89626]

Wig, spray tan, makeup, blue contact lenses, dental flipper.

[@mry_9066]

Brendan Fraserin aksiyona yakışan bir dış görünüşü varken nasıl bugün kü durağan filmlere kalacak şekilde imajı ve bedeni değişti anlayamıyorum.Bu filmde on numaralar ikiside.

[@Gaialy]

Oh, I needed this. I love this movie. It was amazing when it came out, and it has gotten better with time.

[@brendacastillo8146]

He was a such a stud! There are no more characters like his now , they call it "toxic masculinity "

[@seymurhamidov6091]

That days when i was kid it was like little happy holiday when we catch these movies on tv

[@toriliasotska5011]

Most beloved movie) can't possibly count how many times have i seen it!) And i still rewatch it periodically)

[@marianievesmiguelbravo8534]

Hay que decir que esta película con el paso del tiempo a logrado ser un clásico de las películas de aventuras, está muy bien realizada, no le falta de nada, acción, humor efectos especiales muy buenos, y la elección de los actores fue un gran acierto, no podia haber otro elenco para haber hecho esta gran película, maravillosa

[@justineves3588]

One of the very best epic movies ever and has a great cast too and a great sequel too😊❤

[@darknexus6720]

There's no way this guy wouldn't have been a lead in a comic book film had he not stepped back from acting by 2012 at the latest?! He was great in Doom Patrol and would've probably been the best part of Batgirl, but those were supporting characters. Green Lantern, Lex Luther, Ghost Rider, and Magneto are just a few roles that come to mind which might have suited him during the height of his career.

[@mytv89626]

He's been uninsurable since 2009 for anything but bit parts and voiceovers. No one wants to work with an unmedicated schizophrenic. Would you? Ask Harrison Ford (Extraordinary Measures).

[@MrMetallidude]

I value this film greatly.

[@mizimashi_art]

He was so handsome back then. Omg how time flies.

[@mytv89626]

Wig, spray tan, makeup, blue contact lenses, dental flipper.

[@tobermory88]

This movie is the reason I feel in love with history

[@mytv89626]

This movie is historically inaccurate.

[@tobermory88]

@@mytv89626 wait you mean the movie with the magic Mummy is not accurate. Yes I am aware, it still made me love history.

[@auburnstar3]

Wonderful film & cast ❤

[@user-wy5kq9sh8k]

La Película 🎥🤩🎞️🍿🪑🤝😎👍💪 ideal para ver los Findes y disfrutar!!.... La Momia I y II.. Clásicas y muy bien logradas... Historia del Antiguo Egipto con misterios y aventuras... Y el elenco es como si hace años actuaran juntos... Esa química y completa armonía en sus papeles.... Mis Respetos a TODOS!!! 👏👏👏👏🧉🧉🧉🧉🏠🥐🥐🥐🥐☕🥯🇦🇷

[@EJartistry]

Zaddy Fraser .. 9 year old me could never 🥲😅😮‍💨❤

[@trailerwowkino]

Awesome film, great actors and an awesome script. The Mummy is a masterpiece❤❤❤❤

[@VashTheStampede4K]

*Timeless classic. 25th anniversary!*

[@gerardoexber]

This made my day.

[@Koopabonga]

I remembered having a little sneak peek of the set in the ET French version called "Exclusif". I didn't really know what to think but a few months later, they showed the trailer and I say to myself : "Okay, they got me 😂"

[@ryan.h9349]

I love this film growing up. I’d always reenact the chasing scenes and when imhotep would come to life one of the films that I was not scared of surprising because I was scared of a lot of movies but sleepy Hollow and the mummy were my favorite. Also, it’s my favorite ride at Universal as the first one that I always go on . I still remember, and it was either Taco Bell or Del taco where they had the advertising for the film back in 99

[@foxsmith770]

God I love this film so much, this was such a treat to watch!

[@denzelshakurbarr9098]

This movie give me my childhood memories

[@somethingofascientistmyself]

We went from Brendan Fraser to Dwayne Johnson real quick. I’ll pick Brendan all day though

[@carlsizelove2939]

I watched The Mummy 10 times in theater. I love the movie!!

[@davecrawford4377]

Very good, I really enjoyed it.

[@makarand1985]

one of the best movie I ever watched !!! I think I watched this movie repeatedly atleast 36 times and never got bored for one single moment !!!

[@abcumm25]

Damn he’s beautiful

[@mytv89626]

Was. The spray tan, hairpiece, blue contact lenses and dental flipper deserve credit.

[@badouplus1304]

Damn she's beautiful from my point of view 😛

[@k.delpino1124]

One of the best reboots ever. I knew of Stephen Sommers from directing Disney's The Jungle Book (1994) and Deep Rising (1998). Tailor-made for summer and so much fun.

[@marydracos7371]

Loved this movie. Brendan is so handsome. ❤❤❤❤

[@jeremyliggins7447]

I went and so this anniversary in theaters last week on Friday it was fun !!!!!

[@joseywales1869]

Outstanding film and actors

[@josephaaron4985]

You can tell, even without watching BTS like this, they had a really good time making this movie and that's part of the entertainment value in this movie, plus Returns. It's a cheesy, fun, action/horror movie that can be enjoyed by the whole family. I never get tired of watching Rick being a badass, Evie being smart and sexy, and Jonathan being the helpful comic idiot.