Although modern audiences more fondly remember the 1999 remake, the original Mummy was a horror thriller that served as a pinnacle of the Universal Monsters series. Before the failed Dark Universe was ever dreamt up, this 1932 classic was what welcomed viewers into a new world of gods and monsters.
While the most recent attempt at a remake left much to be desired, we aren't willing to give up on the property just yet. While a period-horror flick might not be everyone's cup of tea, if it had the right script and the right performers, it could serve as a successor to the Karloff original.
Malcolm McDowell - Sir Joseph Whemple
The role of Sir Joseph requires a distinguished English gentleman, and, while there are plenty of actors that fit that distinction, a true horror movie should look no further than Malcolm McDowell. Known for his roles in A Clockwork Orange and several Rob Zombie Productions, McDowell would feel right at home in this new production of a familiar creature feature.
Sir Joseph is responsible for discovering Imhotep's tomb and the Scroll of Thoth along with it. He chalks it up to an astounding find, unaware of the curse and the undead priest. It's McDowell's commanding presence and a spark of madness that wins him the role of the aged explorer still looking for his next great find.
Brad Dourif - Dr. Muller
Dr. Muller is Sir Joseph's colleague, another seasoned Egyptologist who warns his fellow explorer about the curse and superstitions of the sands. Whoever plays Dr. Muller has to have an actor that can complement his style and match his intensity and knowledge of the environment. Since Malcolm McDowell would be featured as Sir Joseph, there would be no better pairing for him than Brad Dourif.
Dourif would make an exceptional Dr. Muller, especially since he already has experience working with McDowell in Rob Zombie's Halloween. Dourif's Muller would be obsessed with his work and a thorough believer in the curse and all things mythological. His manic demeanor and almost supernatural presence would make him perfect for one familiar with the ways of gods and monsters.
Jared Leto - Ralph Norton
Although it would be a bit part, it does require a fair amount of talent to make it work. Bramwell Fletcher's performance of the explorer gone mad needs an actor that can perfectly portray someone going completely insane, complete with an unsettling and psychotic laugh. So, why not enlist someone with experience in insanity?
Jared Leto has already become infamous for his portrayal as the Joker in Snyder's slice of the DC Universe, so he seems like he'd be the perfect fit to play someone driven mad from the sight of a walking mummy. Let's just hope he doesn't leave any unsavory souvenirs in the sarcophagi.
James McAvoy- Frank Whemple
The son of Sir Joseph, Frank Whemple definitely needs a bit of an update. Frank was essentially the handsome romantic lead in the original 1932 film, but a new script demands someone with a little more depth. The new Frank needs to be an active force in the story rather than just a love interest alone. He needs someone who has a better range, so the role goes to James McAvoy.
McAvoy already has some monster movie experience with Victor Frankenstein, but this version of The Mummy would give him a chance to combat the creature instead of building one. Although he wouldn't be as trigger-happy as Brenden Frasier's Rick O'Connel from 1999's version, his range and performance would give audiences a hero they could truly root for,
Gary Oldman - Professor Pearson
Pearson is a professor who assists Frank in his expedition and then later the finding of Princess Anksunamen's tomb. The role requires an academic air and a witty demeanor worthy of an educated guide. There are several actors that would be great for this role including Johnny Depp, Willem DeFoe, or even someone like Jim Broadbent, but Gary Oldman feels perfect for the part.
Oldman's Professor would be the first choice, especially if he brings over some of those James Gordon vibes from the Dark Knight trilogy. Oldman's experience in horror movies might also give him a leg up, having made appearances in films like Bram Stoker's Dracula and Hannibal. At the end of the day, it's a solid choice for a supporting role.
Zoe Sandala - Helen Grosvenor/Princess Anck-su-namun
While it would be tempting to bring back Sophia Boutella for a second chance at a mummy flick, a new film can't afford any foul-ups. So, the new Mummy needs some serious star power to throw some fuel on the pyre. Casting Helen and the princess would be the most arduous casting choice in the process, but there is one name that certainly comes to mind. The role needs to go to someone who can play both a beautiful love interest and a royal, and Zoe Sandala has done both.
The original film wrote Helen as half Egyptian, so an actress of color is definitely required. Since Sandala has played roles like Netyri in Avatar and Gamora from Guardians of the Galaxy, she can play a princess with some serious presence and power, making her a near-perfect choice.
Doug Jones - Imhotep/Ardeth Bey
There is only one actor who can properly play Imhotep as Boris Karloff did so wonderfully decades ago, and that is the phenomenal Doug Jones. Casting Imhotep requires a creature actor, not just a performer with a hypnotic voice and captivating presence. Looking at both Jones and Karloff together, one cannot help but think the role was made for him, in and out of the wrappings.
Karloff was a tall, gaunt performer who used his stature and presence to command the role. Jones has already earned his chops with performances in Pan's Labyrinth and the Oscar-winning Shape of Water. Both Imhotep and Ardeth Bey would require a serious amount of makeup and prosthetics, and Jones has years of experience. This one is practically a no-brainer.