Furthermore, The Mummy (2017) was burdened by its responsibility to build a wider universe. The inclusion of Dr. Henry Jekyll and the organization known as Prodigium was meant to act as the connective tissue for future films featuring the Invisible Man, Frankenstein, and the Wolfman. While Russell Crowe’s performance as Jekyll/Hyde is compelling, the world-building often feels forced, slowing down the central plot to explain a mythology that would only be relevant in later sequels. This "franchise-first" approach is often cited by critics as a reason the film struggled to find its footing.
If you'd like to explore more about this topic, tell me if you want: A of why the "Dark Universe" failed. A comparison between the 1999 and 2017 versions. A summary of the plot and key characters.
At its core, the film attempts to redefine the titular monster. Unlike the 1999 version, which leaned into swashbuckling adventure and romantic comedy, the 2017 iteration introduces Princess Ahmanet, played by Sofia Boutella. Her portrayal brings a sense of ancient, justified rage and a visual aesthetic that honors the creature's origins while utilizing modern special effects to create a more visceral threat. This shift toward a more serious, darker tone was intended to distinguish the film from its predecessors and align it with the "grim and gritty" trend of the 2010s.