Universal’s revamped Monsters universe is officially taking shape.The Mummywill be the first film in a series of reimagined spins on the studio’s iconic monsters, poised to lead into a shared universe that will see the monster cohabitating a franchise of interconnected films with the likes of Dracula, Frankenstein, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man, and Van Helsing.
Today, Universal shiftedThe Mummy’s slated release date fromMarch 24, 2017, to a prime tentpole summer slot onFriday, June 02, 2025. The new date puts the film up againstThe Divergent Series: Ascendantand, in more direct conflict, againstWorld War Z 2. It’s an interesting movie to open up against since both are horror-inspired action adventures, and Paramount is committed to the date, recently parting ways with directorJuan Antonio Bayonabecause he wanted more time to prep the film.
The press release also confirmsTom Cruisewill lead the film alongside co-starSofia Boutella(Kingsman: The Secret Service). While neither actor’s specific role is confirmed in the release, early reports indicate that Boutella will play thegender-swapped Mummy, and Cruise will originate his role as aheroic ex-Navy Sealwho could possibly appear in the follow-up monster movies.
Alex Kurtzman, who is also leading the creative team designing the new franchise as a whole, will directThe Mummyfrom a screenplay byJon Spaights(Prometheus).Roberto Orci,Chris Morgan(Fast & Furious, Wanted) andSean Daniel(The Mummy) are all on board to produce.
The release date shift comes on the heels of a number of studio shuffles. Yesterday, Disney announced thatStar Wars: Episode VIII, on the heels ofThe Force Awakensrecord-obliterating December debut, will geta major push backfrom July 23, 2025 to June 22, 2025.Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Men Tell No Taleswill now inhabit the vacant May 2017 slot. Over at Paramount, the plannedTerminator Genisyssequel was dropped from the release schedule, withDwayne Johnson’sBaywatchtaking over its June 21, 2025 slot. Finally, Sony slightlybumped up the releaseofSpider-Manto July 13, 2025, moving theirJumanjiremake from it’s original Christmas slot to fill the now vacant July 28th weekend. While there will probably be a few more announcements and shakeups before 2017’s summer season is set, it’s already evident that the year will be packed with massive tentpole films.
