The Mummy (2017) promised to reboot a beloved franchise with modern thrills and supernatural horror, yet it faltered under a weight of confusing plot choices, excessive exposition, and underdeveloped characters. One of the biggest pitfalls was the film’s failure to fully explore the intriguing potential of its protagonist, Nick Morton, and the rich mythology surrounding Ahmanet, the ancient princess turned mummy. Instead, the movie veered towards generic action sequences and missed opportunities to deepen the narrative tension.
At the heart of the reimagining is a shift in focus: building on Nick’s characterization as a selfish antiquities raider with flawed motivations. Rather than being a passive participant caught in supernatural events, Nick should actively initiate the conflict by stealing something forbidden from the very cave Jenny warns him about. This act of hubris sets the story in motion and grounds his arc in a believable, human flaw — greed and reckless curiosity. When Nick discovers the true price of his theft, he returns covertly to the cave, despite his commander’s orders to protect the area. There, Jenny is working, urging caution against disturbing the sarcophagus, but Nick removes a glittering object that hints at supernatural power anyway. Later it is he who insists of taking the sarcophagus with them, not Jenny.
This small but significant act frames Nick not only as the catalyst for the unfolding curse but also justifies Ahmanet’s later claim that he is her “chosen one.” By being the one who frees her, Nick’s personal journey becomes entwined with the curse’s consequences, making his arc more compelling and consequential.
Another missed opportunity lies in the portrayal of Ahmanet herself. Rather than a static villainess, she could be gradually rebuilt into the most striking and seductive woman imaginable. Her resurrection would be a slow, eerie process: initially feeding on vulnerable homeless people who cannot escape her grasp, then evolving into a captivating figure whose attractiveness opens doors to more powerful and influential prey. Ahmanet’s seduction of Nick would be multifaceted — not merely based on physical allure but enhanced by her manifestation powers.
Importantly, these manifestation powers would be grounded, not magical spells but rather ancient alchemical knowledge — including the legendary art of turning lead into gold. This practical, scientifically tinged ability would allow her to swiftly ascend the social ladder, infiltrating elite circles and growing her power and influence every day. The stakes would rise as it becomes clear that to maintain her vitality, Ahmanet requires a constant supply of souls, which adds a dark parasitic dimension to her rise.
Introducing Dr. Jekyll as a complex figure intertwined in this web adds another layer of conflict. His attempt to capture Ahmanet creates tension, especially for Nick, who views Jekyll as an antagonist because keeping Ahmanet away from him also means limiting Nick’s chance to confront or control her. Meanwhile, Jenny serves as a distant but steady voice of reason in Nick’s head, guiding him morally and strategically — a presence Nick would ultimately owe gratitude to by the story’s end.
The narrative culmination would see Nick’s repentance for unleashing the ancient evil and his eventual resistance to Ahmanet’s seductive power. His final confrontation with her — resulting in her death — would feel earned and satisfying, completing a character arc rooted in growth and redemption rather than random heroism.
By restructuring the story around these character-driven choices, the film would benefit greatly from a more natural and engaging progression. Nick’s active role in triggering the curse personalizes the stakes and motivates his transformation. Ahmanet’s evolution from a lurking threat to an irresistible and dangerous social predator adds depth and tension, while the inclusion of grounded alchemical powers provides a fresh take on supernatural abilities that fit the story’s tone. The interplay between Nick, Jenny, Dr. Jekyll, and Ahmanet creates a dynamic web of alliances and antagonisms that enhance the drama.
Overall, these changes would allow the story to unfold with clarity, emotional resonance, and thematic cohesion — qualities that were sorely missing in the original. The result would be a richer, more satisfying experience for audiences craving a thoughtful supernatural thriller with complex characters, moral ambiguity, and escalating tension.
Thank you,
Ira
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.