A Surprising Revival: How a Well-Known Tom Cruise Flop is Gaining New Fans on HBO Max
Universal Pictures had high hopes for "The Mummy" when it hit theaters in 2017—it was meant to kick off their ambitious "Dark Universe" franchise. But instead of launching a successful series, the movie bombed both with critics and audiences, effectively burying those grand plans. However, in an unexpected twist, the film has found fresh life on HBO Max, climbing to the tenth spot among the most-watched movies on the streaming service in the U.S., proving that sometimes movies do get second chances.
Originally, Universal planned "The Mummy" to be the cornerstone for a shared universe that included titles like an Angelina Jolie-led "Bride of Frankenstein" and a modern take on "The Invisible Man." Unfortunately, when it premiered, the film was met with widespread disappointment. Directed by Alex Kurtzman, it suffered from a common pitfall in franchise filmmaking—too much emphasis on laying groundwork for future installments and not enough focus on creating a compelling standalone story. As a result, the film earned a dismal 15% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, who lambasted it with descriptions like "one of the worst films of the year," "a chaotic mess full of clichés and corporate-driven compromises," and "less of a movie and more of a product of committee decisions."
Financially, it didn’t fare much better. Although it grossed $409 million worldwide, the hefty $195 million production budget meant it fell short of Universal’s expectations, especially once marketing and distribution costs were accounted for. This was a textbook lesson in how not to build a cinematic universe, especially in the shadow of Marvel’s flawless and beloved franchise model.
Fast forward to 2025, and something curious is happening—"The Mummy" is enjoying renewed attention thanks to its release on HBO Max. Subscribers have propelled it into the streamer’s top 10 films, proving there’s a new audience—or perhaps a nostalgic crowd—that's giving it another look. Its streaming debut on October 1, 2025, perfectly timed for the Halloween season, seems to be driving its current popularity surge.
For those who might have missed it, in "The Mummy," Tom Cruise stars as Nick Morton, a U.S. Army sergeant who teams up with his friend Chris Vail (played by Jake Johnson) and British archaeologist Jennifer Halsey (Annabelle Wallis) to explore the tomb of an ancient Egyptian princess named Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella). The twist? Ahmanet isn’t just an old mummy—she’s a resurrected evil force who intends to use Morton as her vessel to unleash Set, the god of death, on the world. The plot revolves around Morton’s desperate fight to stop her sinister plans. Despite this intriguing premise, Universal prioritized building a grand interconnected universe over telling a tight, engaging, and satisfying story, which many fans felt shortchanged the concept.
It’s worth noting that the "Dark Universe" concept had potential, and many agree it deserved a better launch than this underwhelming film. Now, as it finds a second wind on HBO Max, the story of "The Mummy" serves as a bittersweet reminder of what could have been.
So, why exactly is this 2017 flop suddenly trending again? According to FlixPatrol, a platform that tracks streaming viewership, the film's appearance on the U.S. most-watched charts on October 10, 2025, correlates strongly with its recent addition to the platform and the time of year—as Halloween approaches, viewers look for spooky entertainment, even if it’s a mediocre blockbuster with a questionable budget strategy.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this newfound attention evidence that the film was unfairly judged at release, or is it simply benefiting from seasonal viewing habits and accessibility on a popular platform? Does "The Mummy" deserve redemption, or is it merely a convenient choice for viewers craving a frightening movie during the spooky season?
What are your thoughts? Do you believe "The Mummy" should be reconsidered as a cult favorite, or does it remain a cautionary tale about overambitious franchise-making? Share your views and start the conversation below!
