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The Mummy movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was The Mummy filmed?

1999

City Locations

Marrakech (Morocco), Buckinghamshire, Kent, Surrey (UK)

Location Types

Mansion, Film Studio

Location Styles

Shipping Yard/Dock, Victorian, Southern, Moroccan, Desert

About The Mummy

The Mummy is a famous American action-adventure horror film from 1999 that has been well-known for its cult classic status. It was directed by Stephen Sommers and featured actors such as Rachel Weisz, Brendan Fraser, Kevin J. O'Connor, John Hannah, and Arnold Vosloo. Released in 1999, the film follows the story of an ancient Egyptian priest resurrected from the dead with supernatural powers when his tomb is disturbed by a band of adventurers. The movie begins with Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser), an American expatriate who joins the French Foreign Legion in 1925, leading a group of archaeologists to search for the lost city of Hamunaptra. Despite warnings from an Arab guide Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), they manage to uncover the cursed burial site of Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), who was mummified alive after attempting to revive his forbidden love Anck-Su-Namun (Patricia Velasquez) over 3,000 years ago. Imhotep unleashes his wrath on Egypt to bring back his beloved Anck-Su-Namun from beyond death's veil as soon as he is reanimated. It's up to Rick and Evelyn Carnarvon (Rachel Weisz), an Egyptologist with her agenda, to prevent world disasters by stopping Imhotep before it's too late. The Mummy was met with positive reviews upon its release and became highly successful at the box office. The movie grossed nearly $416.4 million globally and received nominations for Best Sound at the Academy Awards and eight awards at the Saturn Awards. Furthermore, the movie received the Best Make-up Saturn Award, and Jerry Goldsmith's composition for the soundtrack also won the 2000 BMI Film Music Award.

The Mummy Locations

The film was produced in two distinct locations, Morocco and the United Kingdom, each of which provided unique backdrops for action and adventure. Scenes for production were filmed in Morocco, specifically in Marrakech and at an abandoned fort situated within a dormant volcano crater near Erfoud, which is in the country's southeast region. Several scenes were also filmed in Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent, England. The backdrop of these filming locations is a mix of ancient ruins, sandy plains, and towering mountains. These backdrops accurately represent the setting for The Mummy and provide viewers with an immersive viewing experience as they imagine what it would be like to explore ancient tombs or climb sand dunes. The Moroccan locations alone contain plenty of interesting landmarks, such as Gara Medouar and many other historical sites preserved over time. The production team for Humanupatra used the Gara Medouar volcano to film the exterior scenes. To do so, they imported essential equipment from England. Shooting in the Sahara presented challenges, including animal hazards. A trip to these filming locations would be worthwhile as there are plenty of interesting sights to explore and capture on camera. Furthermore, one could also visit nearby attractions such as historic towns or markets for a truly memorable experience.

Fun Fact

The Mummy (1999) was a big hit at the box office upon its release, raking in $415 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of all time when it came out that year. It created a franchise that spawned two sequels and numerous spin-offs in different media, such as video games, comics, novels, etc. It also paved the way for popular action-adventure films such as Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl (2003).

Anck-Su-Namun's rooms scene in The Mummy

Red Rock Canyon State Park, 37749 Abbott Dr, Cantil, CA, USA

In ancient Egypt, around 1290 BC, the high priest Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) and Anck-su-Namun (Patricia Velasquez), Pharaoh Seti's mistress, have an affair, breaking the rule that no other man can touch her. Inevitably, when the Pharaoh, Seti I (Aharon Ipalé), finds out, Imhotep and Anck-su-Namun kill him. This opening scene is integral to the story, as it marks a turning point when Imhotep and Anck-su-Namun murder the Pharaoh in an act of defiance and treason. The scene was shot at Red Rock Canyon State Park. They pointed out the mistress's location at the top of the cliff, but the ancient Egyptian palace was added during post-production. The park features dramatic red rock formations, sandstone cliffs, and stunning desert canyons for viewers as they watch this pivotal moment. This site has long been featured in films due to its picturesque beauty, so it is no surprise that it was chosen as the backdrop for this crucial scene. The park offers 13 miles of trails and roads for visitors to explore, with camping areas, wildlife viewing spots, and cultural heritage sites. To get to Red Rock Canyon State Park from Los Angeles, you will need to drive three hours east toward the Mojave Desert. When you reach the park entrance in Cantil, California, there are many interesting things to see. This destination has a fascinating history and an otherworldly beauty that transports you back to Ancient Egypt, making it a memorable experience.

The port of Giza scene in The Mummy

The Historic Dockyard Chatham, Main Gate Rd, Chatham, UK

In exchange for saving Rick (Brendan Fraser) from being hanged, Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) makes a deal with him to reveal the location of Hamunaptra. They board a ship to begin their journey to the lost city. On their way, they come across a group of American treasure hunters, led by renowned Egyptologist Dr. Allen Chamberlain (Jonathan Hyde) and assisted by Beni Gabor (Kevin J. O'Connor), a former Legion soldier who knows the whereabouts of the lost city and is now a coward. The port scene was a bustling hive of activity, with merchants hawking wares from all over the world, people coming and going laden with bundles of goods, and sailors unloading cargo onto the docks. One iconic moment is when Rick and Evelyn board the boat for their journey, symbolically starting their exciting adventure to find Hamunaptra. This bustling scene was shot at The Historic Dockyard Chatham in the UK. This authentically preserved dockyard from centuries ago features several historic buildings, ships’ dry docks, warehouses, rope workshops, and quayside stores, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of 19th-century England. Tourists are allowed to visit and take a tour of the place. The Historic Dockyard Chatham is located at Main Gate Rd in Kent. It can be easily reached via car or public transport anywhere in London or Kent. By car, it takes roughly 1 hour from Central London and 30 minutes from Maidstone or Ashford.

The flaming ship scene in The Mummy

H Stage, Shepperton Studios, 13 Studios Rd, Shepperton, UK

As Medjai soldiers come aboard the ship, seeking to capture Evelyn's (Rachel Weisz) box and the map, the expedition fights them off with determination. Explosions and flames engulf the boat as the group scrambles to save themselves, ultimately forcing them to abandon the ship and make their way ashore. During this heart-pounding sequence, all of the characters are put to the test as they fight to survive. This iconic scene was filled with edge-of-your-seat action and suspense, setting the tone for an exciting adventure movie. Unsurprisingly, it remains one of the most defining moments of The Mummy franchise to this day. The scene was shot at Shepperton Studios in H Stage, near Weybridge in Surrey, England. This studio has been used for many famous films over its long history, such as Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), Gladiator (2000), and Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005). Visiting Shepperton Studios for a tour is not usually an option. However, the studio does host occasional special events and openings for the public. Visitors can get to Shepperton Studios via public transportation or by car. If you are coming by train from Waterloo station in London, you can take a South Western Railways towards Staines station and transfer on 458 bus toward Fairview Drive bus stop. Alternatively, if you are coming by car from London, it should only take about an hour, depending on traffic conditions on A316 road.

All groups return to Cairo scene in The Mummy

Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakesh, Morocco

After the two groups return to Cairo, Rick (Brendan Fraser) and the Americans intend to depart Egypt, but Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) chooses to stay. She believes it was their mistake to release the curse, so they must take responsibility for stopping Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo). Later that day, when the water turns into blood, it signals that Imhotep is nearby. Among the locals performing their daily activities, the architecture is distinct, and the scene is lively, with an orange backdrop reflecting off the nearby waters. Scenes showcasing the cityscape of Cairo were filmed at Jemaa el-Fna in Marrakesh, Morocco. The movie features scenes with Imhotep's curses, such as water turning to blood and hailstorms. As a less modern city, Marrakesh effectively represented Cairo. The town possessed many characteristics that the production team desired. To evoke the atmosphere of the 1920s, they brought in camels, telephone sales, and horses. Fans can still visit the location, which offers a square and marketplace. Getting to Jemaa el-Fna is easy: visitors can take a bus transfer from Casablanca or Marrakech Gare Routiere station to Marrakesh city center. From there, they can take a taxi or bus to Jemaa el-Fna. Visitors can also rent a car or travel by bus from nearby cities like Agadir or El Jadida.

Rick, Evelyn, and Jonathan arrive at the Museum of Antiquities scene in The Mummy

Mentmore Towers, Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard, UK

The scene occurs inside the Museum of Antiquities, where the group seeks answers. Upon entering, they are unexpectedly greeted by Dr. Bey (Erick Avari) and Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr). Soon, it becomes clear that this is no regular museum visit, as Dr. Bey is revealed to be part of a secret society dedicated to stopping Imhotep's (Arnold Vosloo) resurrection. Amidst the tense atmosphere, he shares his suspicion that Imhotep plans to revive Anck-Su-Namun (Patricia Velasquez) by using Evelyn's (Rachel Weisz) body for regeneration. This revelation is followed by an unforeseen solar eclipse, forcing the group to act quickly as time is not on their side. This scene was filmed at Mentmore Towers located in Mentmore, UK. Built-in the 1850s for the Rothschild family, this stunning building is known for appearing in many other popular films, such as Terry Gilliam’s Brazil, Stanley Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut, and Christopher Nolan's Batman Begins. Although some parts of the building used to be open for public tours, they are no longer available. However, just seeing Mentmore's beautiful towers is an excellent opportunity to admire a fascinating piece of English history. Mentmore Towers is about 49 miles northwest of London and can easily be reached by bus from Euston Station. Alternatively, take a car ride from London via the M1 motorway; the road will take approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on the traffic.

The return to the lost city of Hamunaptra scene in The Mummy

Gara Medouar,, Errachidia, Morocco

Rick (Brendan Fraser), Jonathan (John Hannah), and Ardeth (Oded Fehr) seek the assistance of Winston Havlock (Bernard Fox), a disillusioned WWI fighter pilot, to fly them to Hamunaptra. Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo) heads to Hamunaptra in a sandstorm with Evelyn (Rachel Weisz) and Beni (Kevin J. O'Connor), chased by Rick's plane. Imhotep attempts to create a massive sandstorm using his powers, but due to distraction from Evelyn, he only manages to force the aircraft into an emergency crash landing, killing Winston. Rick, Jonathan, and Ardeth enter Hamunaptra and uncover a new area filled with the city's renowned treasures. The entrance to Hamunaptra and its vistas were filmed at Gara Medouar, Errachidia, Morocco. Shooting in the Sahara was challenging, as the team faced numerous difficulties, such as animal hazards. However, they received support from the Royal Moroccan Army. The Sahara desert shoot lasted for sixteen weeks. The team measured the interior cave to construct the City of the Dead and sent the dimensions to Shepperton Studios. From Morocco, head towards Errachidia, which can be reached through different buses or taxis available at every major city across Morocco. From there, you can take a taxi or tour guide service (it’s recommended if it’s your first time visiting the region) that will take you directly to Gara Medouar.

Conclusion

The Mummy is an action-packed, humorous adventure film that has become a cult classic. The script is cleverly written with plenty of witty banter. Stephen Sommers' direction is spot on as he balances humor with horror, creating a thrilling and entertaining cinematic experience. The filming locations chosen for "The Mummy" are crucial in bringing the story to life and immersing viewers in a world of adventure and mystery. Morocco provides a rich and diverse backdrop for the film. Marrakech, with its vibrant streets and bustling atmosphere, sets the stage for the initial unfolding of the story. The meticulous attention to detail by the production team is evident in their use of the Gara Medouar volcano for exterior scenes, importing essential equipment from England to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of the filming process. The Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent, England, adds another layer of historical charm to the film. The dockyard's well-preserved architecture and naval heritage provide a compelling contrast to the Moroccan locations. It serves as a key backdrop for pivotal moments in the story, adding depth and historical context to the film's narrative. The Mummy is definitely worth watching if you're looking for a fun adventure flick filled with lots of laughs, thrilling moments, and exciting set pieces. It's undoubtedly one of those movies that will remain a classic for years.