”Evil, Mr. Morton. Recognize, contain, examine, destroy.”
An underwater mummy bust from Alex Kurtzman’s 2017 action adventure The Mummy.
In the new Kingdom era, evil Egyptian Princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella) is condemned to eternal mummification for patricide. Her tomb is discovered in modern-day Iraq by Sgt Nick Morton (Tom Cruise) and a series of terrifying events follow as Ahmanet reawakens in London.
Underwater mummies were a main part of the scene where Ahmanet dragged Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis) underwater, with Morton in pursuit. The mummies chased Morton to thwart his efforts and were seen emerging from the dark depths. This prosthetic mask would have been worn by an actor to film the underwater swimming stunts and then digitally overlaid for its final onscreen appearance.
The mask is presented on a custom bust with a wooden base painted to look like a dead body – the prosthetic silicone mask is stretched over a mannequin head for presentation. It has been realistically painted and textured with mottled brown, green and red tones to resemble putrefied human flesh, complete with a sticky texture and fine hairs. Fibres and fabrics have been styled to resemble hanging moss, plant matter and decomposed fabric – all as a result of centuries spent in underwater tombs. Openings have been made for the eyes and mouth.
Purposely distressed, the bust and mask remain in a very good, undamaged condition.
Materials: Silicone, Rubber, Man-Made Woven Fibres, Wood.