‘The Mummy’ Casts Jake Johnson So He Can Explain How The Original Mummy Was So Much Better
Every time I write about Universal’s plans to revive their classic monsters in a big shared universe that will allow the iconic monsters share adventures and what-not,I get a little apprehensive. After all, those original movies (Frankenstein,Dracula,The Wolf Man, etc.) are sacred ground. They are holy texts. These movies are a cornerstone my modern self. They’re my church.
And quite frankly, I have no idea what to make ofThe Mummy, the first entry in the new monsters universe. So much about this project sounds promising, but the very nature of it makes me antsy. And now, there’s another piece of news for everyone to wrap their brains around –Jake Johnsonhas joined the film’s increasingly interesting cast.
The news broke over atThe Wrapand, as you’d expect, the specific details of the role remain guarded. It’s easy to speculate though, especially since Johnson is the exact kind of guy you cast as the wiseass research assistant to the lead character who dies on page 75 of the screenplay to help propel the heroes into a desperate, climactic battle with the title monster.
Although best known for playing Nick onNew Girl, Johnson played a key role in last year’sJurassic World, where he was the lovable audience surrogate who kept on reminding everyone how much cooler the originalJurassic Parkwas. Before that, he headlined the very successfulLet’s Be Copsand earned his indie credentials by starring in films likeDigging For FireandSafety Not Guaranteed. He’s a fine actor, even though he does tend to play the same kind of smart aleck time and time again.
Johnson’s casting arrives one day after the news thatPeaky BlindersstarAnnabelle Wallisis in talks to join the cast, which already includesTom Cruiseas the lead humanandKingsman: The Secret ServicestarSofia Boutellaas a gender-swapped take on the title monster.
The Mummyis currently set for aJune 19, 2017release date. If all goes according to plan, it will soon be followed by new takes onThe Invisible Man,Bride of Frankenstein,Van Helsing,The Wolf Manand the rest of that tragic brigade and frequently misunderstood monsters. I certainly hope directorAlex Kurtzmandelivers a great movie that justifies a whole new monsters universe. I really, truly do. The scars of Stephen Sommers’Van Helsingand the Joe Johnston’sThe Wolfmanrun deep.
