This actor’s perfectionism pushed ‘The Mummy’ cast to their limits in 1999
Oded Fehr recalls the actor’s intense energy on set: “It was hell trying to keep up with him.”
Brendan Fraser, now an Oscar-winning actor, rose to fame in the late ’90s thanks to his role as Rick O’Connell in 'The Mummy’ (1999). The film, directed by Stephen Sommers, became a global hit and a defining adventure classic. But behind the scenes, Fraser’s relentless commitment to his craft made the shoot far more demanding than expected, especially for his co-stars.
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At the 2025 Fan Expo Denver, the cast reunited to celebrate the film’s legacy. During the panel, Oded Fehr, who played Ardeth Bay, shared a candid memory:
“The hardest part wasn’t the sword fighting or horseback riding, it was trying to keep up with Brendan. When they yelled ‘action,’ he started fighting like a madman. It was hell!”
Fraser’s physical toll and dedication
Fraser has long been known for doing his own stunts, a choice that came with serious consequences. In interviews, he’s described the toll those roles took on his body:
“I was pretty banged up from years of doing my own stunts. I had to get surgeries on my spine and knees. Every morning I’d suit up like a gladiator, with ice packs, bandages, and a Transformer-style exoskeleton just to get through the day.”
His intense preparation and physicality didn’t just elevate the action, it set a standard that pushed the entire cast to match his energy.
A comeback built on resilience
After stepping away from Hollywood for over a decade, Fraser returned with a powerful performance in 'The Whale’ (2022), earning him the Academy Award for Best Actor. His journey from blockbuster hero to dramatic heavyweight has only deepened the respect fans and peers have for his work ethic.
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