Entertainment
Brendan Fraser surprises London audiences at cinema screening of The Mummy-Rachael O'Connor-Entertainment – Metro
Now THAT is a surprise guest.
Brendan Fraser surprised London cinemagoers as he introduced a double bill of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns (Picture: Shutterstock)
Cinemagoers got more than they bargained for when they hit the theatre to watch a special screening of The Mummy starring Brendan Fraser.
The actor is firmly back in the spotlight as his comeback film The Whale is lauded by critics and the public alike, scooping multiple award nominations and wins including the Critics Choice gong.
Before stepping out of the limelight for years, Brendan was, of course, a major name, having starred in everything from comedies to action blockbusters.
The Mummy and its sequel, The Mummy Returns, remain popular films more than two decades after their release, and have enjoyed yet another spike in popularity as Brendan makes headlines throughout awards season.
In London on Friday, the Prince Charles Cinema offered a special double bill screening of The Mummy and its sequel, but just as the show was about to start a special guest showed up at the theatre.
He told the delighted theater that he was ‘proud’ to be there introducing the film, reminding them that it, and its sequel, was made in Britain.
‘Thank you for being here,’ he said – dressed very like Rick O’Connell himself – in a video shared by the Prince Charles cinema.
Brendan played adventurer Rick O’Connell (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)
‘We had no idea what kind of movie we were making when we shot this.’
He explained that they didn’t know whether The Mummy was ‘a drama or a comedy or an action or a horror picture or a romance’ or even ‘all of the above.’
Brendan added that they only became sure of the film’s promise after it was ‘tested in front of British audiences.
‘Thank you for that.’
The actor went on to encourage the crowd to see his new film, The Whale, which will be airing at the Prince Charles.
During his emotional speech, he reflected on The Whale’s main character Charlie and his struggle with an eating disorder, telling the audience: If you struggle with obesity or feel like you’re in a dark sea…. you can hae the strength to get to your feet and go to the light.’
It comes after Brendan revealed he’d be up for appearing in a new Mummy film, saying: ‘I’m not opposed to it.’
The actor admitted they didn’t know what kind of movie The Mummy was going to be (Picture: Universal Studios)
Brendan is currently being lauded for his performance in The Whale (Picture: A24 / Backgrid)
Speaking to Deadline, the star elaborated: ‘I don’t know an actor who doesn’t want a job.
‘I don’t think I’ve been this famous and unsalaried at the same time in my professional life, so sign me up! We’ve all got to start somewhere.’
The Mummy franchise has already been rebooted once before, in 2017 with Tom Cruise at the helm, however, it did not go down well with either audiences or critics.
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In a Variety interview, Brendan was asked why he believed the new film didn’t work that time and suggested it was lacking ‘fun’.
He explained: ‘The Mummy should be a thrill ride, but not terrifying and scary.’
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