The Mummy in Namibia

Movies have been part of most people’s lives across the world. Most children grew up watching Disney movies about princesses and magical animals that could talk. And as we grew into adulthood our animated memories became stories of hobbits and rings, and heroes and villains. To most, the idea of movies and films has become an escape from reality shaping the routine of our day-to-day lives. Moments in which we get to enter a new world where the unrealistic and fantastic becomes normal. And personally we feel a trip to the Namib Desert is just what the world needs. The iconic desert recently showcased in 2015’s Mad Max: Fury Road and will now be used for an upcoming Universal picture. Production on The Mummy will soon be moving to Swakopmund. The main aspect of the country that continuously draws film crews to Namibia is the vast expanse of the Namib Desert. And why wouldn’t it? The massive sand dunes that glide beneath the gentle touch of the ocean breeze are enough to inspire anyone. And this glorious desert has drawn attention once again. The Mummy franchise first started in 1932 with Boris Karloff bringing the monster to life.
Alex Kurtzman is directing the film and so far the full cast has not yet been revealed, but massive Box Office names like Tom Cruise and Russell Crowe will be making an appearance. Cruise is set to play a Navy Seal named Tyler Colt, the main character in the film and a break through actress, Annabelle Wallis, will be starring opposite Cruise. In an interview with Collider, Crowe confirmed that he will portray the character Dr Henry Jekyll. Crowe’s character forms part of Universal Studio’s plan to create a Monster Universe in which classic monster films are rebooted in modern settings and will eventually lead to a reboot of the classic Jekyll and Hyde. Now that you have the background info let’s get back why this is relevant to Namibia…. Some of the filming for this exciting reboot will be done in the Namib Desert. Filming is set to take place as of late June and has stirred quite a bit of excitement amongst the locals. Well who wouldn’t be? Tom Cruise is scheduled to arrive on Namibian soil on 20 July.
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