A supernatural fantasy trilogy led by Brendan Fraser will be removed from HBO Max’s library very soon. These films were not only commercially successful but also became a global cultural phenomenon.
The Mummy trilogy is leaving HBO Max
Three films — The Mummy, The Mummy Returns, and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor — will exit HBO Max on Friday, May 29, 2026.
It is a loose remake of the 1932 film of the same name. Universal Pictures produced and distributed both franchises. Stephen Sommers wrote and helmed the first two entries of the new series. It stars Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, John Hannah, Arnold Vosloo, and Patricia Velasquez, among others.
The original film, The Mummy, takes place in 1920 and follows treasure hunter Rick O’Connell, librarian Evelyn Carnahan, and her brother Jonathan as they discover the lost city of Hamunaptra. While exploring an ancient tomb, they accidentally awaken Imhotep, a cursed priest who was buried alive centuries earlier. Imhotep gradually gains supernatural abilities and uses them to resurrect his lover.
Released on May 7, 1999, the film experienced an incredible run at the box office. It had an $80 million budget and grossed $418.3 million globally. On the ratings front, it has a critics’ score of 64% and a user score of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes.
Following its success, a sequel, The Mummy Returns, followed on May 4, 2001. It centers on Rick and Evelyn’s son, Alex, who finds the Bracelet of Anubis, which snaps onto his arm. Imhotep returns once again, seeking to use the bracelet’s powers for his evil purposes.
Commercially, the sequel experienced a similar success to the original. Made on a $98 million budget, it went on to gross $435.9 million worldwide. Critically, however, it received mixed-to-negative reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it has a 46% critics’ score and a 63% user score.
The third entry, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, directed by Rob Cohen, premiered seven years later on August 1, 2008. This time, Weisz decided not to reprise her role, reportedly because of script issues (via Digital Spy). Instead, Maria Bello took over the character.
The film features a 13-year time jump in which Alex, now an adult and an adventurer, accidentally resurrects Emperor Han, a ruthless ancient ruler who seeks world domination.
Neither critics nor the audience liked the film. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a critics’ score of 13% and an audience score of 30%. At the global box office, it made $405.7 million against a reported $175 million budget.
A fourth Mummy film is currently in the works and will reportedly bring back the original cast.
