Despite achieving mainstream success in the first installment in the franchise, Dwayne Johnson did not return forThe Scorpion King 2. Johnson made his movie debut as Mathayus of Akkad, also known as “The Scorpion King,” the lead villain in 2001’sThe Mummy Returns;the movie’s box office success led to Universal releasingThe Scorpion Kingin 2002, with Johnson receiving his first lead role as the legendary warrior.
With Johnson at the head ofThe Scorpion Kingcast, the filmexplores Mathayus' origins as a desert warrior seeking revenge for the murder of his father and the destruction of his home. While the movie received a mixed reception from critics, it was financially successful and saw the release offour sequels inThe Scorpion Kingfranchise.The Scorpion Kinghelped establish Dwayne Johnson as a leading actor, but he ultimately decided not to reprise his role for the sequel movies.
The Scorpion King 2 Is A Prequel & Dwayne Johnson Turned Down A Cameo
The Scorpion King 2 Explores Mathayus' Family and Death of His Father
The Scorpion Kingis set over 5000 years before the events ofThe Mummyfranchise and explores the life of Mathayus, one of the last surviving Akkadians, who finds himself caught up in a deadly battle for survival. The movie received a lukewarm response from critics, butDwayne Johnson received high praise for his action skills and performance, with some calling him the highlight of the movie. According toCNET, Johnson was paid $5.5 million for the role, which set a Guinness World Record for the highest salary for a first-time leading actor.
The success ofThe Scorpion Kingled Universal to greenlight a sequel, which was released direct-to-video in 2008.The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warriorlooks at Mathayus' attempts to seek vengeance for his father’s murder. PerSlashfilm, Johnson was offered the opportunity to appear inThe Scorpion King 2;in contrast to his starring role in the first installment, he would have a small appearance in a cameo role.However, at the time of the sequel’s production, Johnson was already committed to other movies, includingThe Game PlanandSouthland Tales, and decided not to accept the cameo.
Mathayus Has Been Played By Five Actors In The Scorpion King Movies
Five Movies Were Released Between 2002 and 2018
Following the release ofThe Scorpion Kingin 2002, Universal Studios expanded on the franchise, releasing four sequels which were all released direct-to-video. After Johnson decided not to return forRise of a Warrior, the role of Mathayus was played by actor Michael Canon; upon release in 2008, the movie received a mixed reception from critics, but Canon received praise for his acting, withKung Fu Cinemaciting his performance as what kept the movie entertaining.
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Zach McGowan
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Canadian actor Victor Webster was cast as Mathayus inBattle for Redemption,released in 2012; it received negative reviews for its plot, effects and acting. Despite the negative reception, Webster reprized the role in the next installment,Quest for Power, in 2015, which is seen by many as the weakest film of the franchise. The fifth and final film,Book of Souls, was released in 2018, with Zach McGowan portraying the demigod; the movie was moderately well-received and seen as the best sequel to the 2002 original film.
Is Dwayne Johnson Returning For The Scorpion King Reboot?
Dwayne Johnson Will Serve As A Producer For The Reboot
In 2020, it was announced that a reboot ofThe Scorpion Kingfranchise was in development between Universal and Seven Bucks Productions.Dwayne Johnson is set to return to the franchise,but rather than acting, he is serving as a producer. According toDeadline, the reboot is set to take place in modern times and offer a new take on the legendary Mathayus and his journey to becoming the Scorpion King. In 2021, it was confirmed by producer Hiram GarciathatThe Scorpion Kingreboot’s script draft was completed.
This $244M Action Movie Was Brendan Fraser’s The Mummy Replacement - Then Dwayne Johnson Took Over
Brendan Fraser stepped into another promising action franchise just as The Mummy was dying down. Unfortunately, Dwayne Johnson took it over instead.
As of 2024, there have beenfew further updates in terms ofThe Scorpion Kingreboot’s production;there have been no cast announcements and a director hasn’t been yet been confirmed. Dwayne Johnson is also currently working on other projects,including the live-action adaptation ofMoana,which means the reboot will not be in cinemas anytime soon. But while he chose not to appear inThe Scorpion King2, his role in the upcoming reboot shows Johnson’s fondness for the franchise that launched his movie career.
Sources:CNET,Slashfilm,Kung Fu Cinema,Deadline
The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior
The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior is a prequel to The Scorpion King, exploring the early years of Mathayus, played by Michael Copon. Directed by Russell Mulcahy, the film follows Mathayus as he seeks vengeance against an evil warlord who killed his father. Joining him in his quest are a group of loyal allies, as they face dangerous trials to achieve their goal.
