Latest news with #FanExpoDenver
Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Brendan Fraser reunites with his castmates from The Mummy more than 26 years after the film debuted
More than 26 years after The Mummy hit theaters, Brendan Fraser reunited with three of his castmates. The 56-year-old actor played Rick O'Connell in the 1999 summer blockbuster, which also put rising star Rachel Weisz on the map. While Weisz wasn't present, Fraser was photographed with co-stars Patricia Velasquez (Anck Su Namun), John Hannah (Jonathan) and Arnold Vosloo (Imhotep) on Sunday. They all posed together at the 2025 Fan Expo Denver at the Denver Convention Center during a panel on Sunday. The 1999 classic was a remake of the original Universal Pictures 1932 classic starring Boris Karloff, which was a box office smash. Fraser and Hannah appeared in the entire trilogy - 1999's The Mummy, 2001's The Mummy Returns and 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, though Vosloo and Velasquez only appeared in the first two films. Fraser stepped out in a black t-shirt under a dark green dress shirt with a tan baseball cap and dark pants. Velasquez opted for a dark green dress while Vosloo donned a light blue dress shirt, white t-shirt under a grey suit coat and grey pants. Hannah opted for a grey t-shirt under a brown jacket and light blue jeans for the convention. The Mummy remake was set in the year 1932, following treasure hunter Rick O'Connell (Fraser) as he takes librarian Evelyn Carnahan (Weisz) and her older brother Jonathan (Hannah) to Hamunaptra, City of the Dead, where they awaken the ancient mummy Imhotep (Vosloo). The film was a massive hit at the box office, taking in $418 million worldwide from an $80 million budget. The franchise was rebooted yet again in 2017 with Tom Cruise starring alongside Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis and Russell Crowe. The film was supposed to launch Universal's new franchise Dark Universe, though that never moved forward. Fraser was asked if his trilogy was supposed to cross over with Cruise's franchise at some point, though he didn't know. Fraser stepped out in a black t-shirt under a dark green dress shirt with a tan baseball cap and dark pants. 'I really don't know. I know Tom Cruise tried to make his movie and it ain't easy! We all know how hard this movie is to make,' he said. 'With the exception of three (The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), the thing with all of these films is that, at least it was fun, it was a thrill ride, and you wanted to do it again,' he added. 'The answer is you've just got to give everybody what they really, really want. If you stray from that path…' Fraser continued, trailing off.
The South African
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
‘The Mummy' cast reunites: 26 years on, the adventure lives
The stars of the iconic 1999 film The Mummy reunited, sending waves of nostalgia amongst fans around the world. Brendan Fraser, John Hannah, Patricia Velásquez, and Oded Fehr appeared together at Fan Expo Denver. This marked over a quarter of a century since the film's debut. Rachel Weisz, who played Evelyn, was notably absent. The spirit of the original adventure was alive and well among the cast and the crowd. The Mummy became a global sensation when it was released in 1999. The film grossed over $400 million worldwide, roughly R7.3 billion, cementing its place as a true blockbuster, according to Remind Magazine. The film's mix of action, humour, and supernatural thrills captivated audiences. Many still recall the excitement of seeing ancient Egypt brought to life on the big screen. At Fan Expo Denver, the cast shared memories and laughter. Patricia Velásquez, who played the unforgettable Anck-su-namun, posted on social media: 'So wonderful and so special to reconnect after so many years with the cast of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns. Thank you to Fan Expo Denver for making this possible. It means so much to be able to share these moments together again. Celebrating with the fans who have kept this story alive in their hearts. What a beautiful reminder that some adventures never really end.' Brendan Fraser, who portrayed the daring Rick O'Connell in The Mummy , reflected on the film's lasting impact. 'It's amazing to see how much love there still is for these characters. We made something special, and it's incredible to feel that energy again,' he said during the panel. Brendan Fraser has enjoyed a remarkable comeback, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2022 for The Whale . He also appeared in Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon and is set for new projects. has enjoyed a remarkable comeback, winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2022 for . He also appeared in Martin Scorsese's and is set for new projects. John Hannah has become a familiar face on British television, appearing in dramas and thrillers, and continues to act in both film and TV. has become a familiar face on British television, appearing in dramas and thrillers, and continues to act in both film and TV. Oded Fehr now stars as Fleet Admiral Charles Vance in Star Trek: Discovery , a role that has earned him a new generation of fans. now stars as Fleet Admiral Charles Vance in , a role that has earned him a new generation of fans. Patricia Velásquez remains active in film, with recent roles in horror hits like The Curse of La Llorona and Malignant . South Africans have always had a soft spot for The Mummy . The film's blend of action and mythology resonated with local audiences. Many grew up watching the franchise on SABC or M-Net. The cast's reunion is a reminder of the power of film to unite people across continents and generations. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The South African
Jason Isaacs slams racist 'Harry Potter' fans over Snape casting
Jason Isaacs, famed for his role as Lucius Malfoy in the original Harry Potter films, has defended Paapa Essiedu amid backlash over the actor's casting as Severus Snape. Essiedu was cast as Snape for HBO's forthcoming Harry Potter series. Speaking at FanExpo Denver, Isaacs condemned the negative online reactions as 'racist' and 'rude.' He urged fans to reconsider their stance once they see Essiedu's performance. Paapa Essiedu, a distinguished British actor, earned acclaim for his Emmy-nominated role in I May Destroy You and appeared in Black Mirror and The Lazarus Project. He is the first Black actor to take on the iconic role of Snape, originally portrayed by the late Alan Rickman. Isaacs praised him as 'one of the best actors I've ever seen in my life.' He expressed confidence that detractors 'will be swallowing their digital tongues' after witnessing his work on screen. The upcoming HBO series aims to adapt J.K. Rowling's seven Harry Potter novels across multiple seasons. The reboot features a fresh ensemble cast. This includes John Lithgow as Dumbledore, Janet McTeer as McGonagall, and Nick Frost as Hagrid. Newcomers Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout will portray Harry, Hermione, and Ron respectively. Johnny Flynn takes on the role of Lucius Malfoy, Isaacs's former character, according to Deadline. Isaacs's defence is particularly significant considering the controversy surrounding Rowling herself. The author has faced criticism for her views on transgender issues. Despite this, Rowling stated she would not interfere with casting decisions, emphasising respect for actors' livelihoods regardless of differing beliefs. Isaacs's stance challenges fans to move beyond outdated notions of character 'authenticity' tied to race, promoting a broader appreciation of talent and storytelling. Isaacs remarked: 'Paapa Essiedu is one of the best actors I've ever seen in my life. I've seen some people online who are being rude about him. What they're being is racist.' He added: 'All the cast of the new Harry Potter TV series are amazing. They will be swallowing their tongues, hopefully, you know, their digital tongues, when they see what Paapa does on screen.' This casting choice not only diversifies the Harry Potter universe but also invites audiences to reimagine beloved characters through a contemporary lens. The series is expected to be a major production, with Warner Bros reportedly investing around £1 billion (approximately R 25 billion). This will be used to expand Leavesden Studios and create authentic sets, including a real Hogwarts school and Privet Drive. As the global fanbase anticipates the series, Isaacs's outspoken support offers a powerful reminder that artistry and inclusivity must triumph over prejudice. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Express Tribune
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Harry Potter actor Jason Isaacs defends Paapa Essiedu's Snape casting amid backlash
Jason Isaacs, who portrayed Lucius Malfoy in the original Harry Potter films, has spoken out in defense of actor Paapa Essiedu, who was recently cast as Severus Snape in HBO's upcoming Harry Potter series. Isaacs made his comments during a panel appearance at FanExpo Denver, addressing the wave of criticism following Essiedu's casting. Isaacs described the online backlash as 'rude' and labeled some of the commentary as 'racist.' He emphasized that Essiedu is 'one of the best actors I've ever seen' and expressed confidence that critics would change their stance once they witnessed his performance. Essiedu, a Black British actor known for I May Destroy You and The Lazarus Project, is the first Black actor to play Snape. His casting has sparked controversy online, with some social media users objecting to the change in the character's racial depiction from the original films. Production for HBO's rebooted Harry Potter series is scheduled to begin in summer 2025, with a tentative release window spanning 2026–2027. The series aims to re-adapt J.K. Rowling's original seven-book saga with a new cast, with each season expected to cover one book. Further casting announcements are expected in the coming months.
