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The highlight of Brendan Fraser’s Oscar night was winning the Best Actor Oscar with his acclaimed performance in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Whale,” but perhaps runner-up was a long-awaited reunion with the megastar Dwayne Johnson. The two actors starred together nearly 22 years ago in “The Mummy Returns,” the sequel to Fraser’s 1999 blockbuster “The Mummy” that marked Johnson’s acting debut in Hollywood.
“Very cool full circle moment here with my longtime pal Brendan Fraser and his sons,” Johnson wrote on Instagram along with a video of the two actors reuniting backstage at the 2023 Oscars. Hollywood was ‘The Mummy Returns’, which Brendan starred in. A lot of critics and cynics were betting against me at the time, but Brendan welcomed me with open arms and was so supportive. nice people.
Johnson added: “Now, years later, Brendan wins his Best Actor Oscar in ‘The Whale’ and I’ve become famous for carrying a fanny pack. Congratulations bro – enjoy your flowers.
Johnson made his Hollywood debut in “The Mummy Returns” as Mathayus of Akkad/The Scorpion King. The sequel grossed $435 million at the worldwide box office and led to Johnson’s own spin-off film “The Scorpion King” in 2002. “The Scorpion King” was the first Hollywood film to be headlined by Johnson, who has since become a billion dollars. box office star.
Fraser’s emotional best actor acceptance speech was one of the highlights of the 2023 Oscars. “I started in this business 30 years ago, things weren’t easy for me but there had an ease that I didn’t appreciate at the time, until it stopped,” he notes. “I just want to say thank you for this recognition.”
Johnson, who presented at the 2023 Oscars, has championed Fraser throughout awards season. In September, following the world premiere of ‘The Whale’ at the Venice Film Festival, Johnson shared video of Fraser choking to a standing ovation for the film and wrote, “Man this makes me so happy to see this great ovation for Brendan. He supported me in his franchise “Mummy Returns” for my very first role, which launched my career in Hollywood. Rooting for all your success brother.
Johnson and Fraser also share a second Hollywood connection through Warner Bros.’ Franchise “Journey to the Center of the Earth”. Fraser headlined the 2008 original, while Johnson took over as the star of the 2012 sequel “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island.”
