The Films You Know: The Scorpion King is best known for being the movie that gave The Rock his first starring role, and inevitably led to greater things for him. Despite mixed critical notices, it was a financial success, and Rocky was originally touted to star in the sequel. The Films You Don't: "Sequel!?", you say? That's right, The Scorpion King isn't just a cheesy action flick, it's a franchise with as many entries as the main The Mummy series. 2008's straight-to-video The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior was a prequel to the original film (yes, it's a prequel of a prequel), with the role of Mathayus being recast with relative unknown Michael Copon. Despite being critically panned, the movie somehow made money, and a third film, The Scorpion King 3: Battle for Redemption, was then released in 2012, with The Rock's role again recast with Victor Webster, while co-starring WWE's Batista in a supporting role. Again, the movie sucked, but somehow it made enough cash for a fourth film to be made, The Scorpion King: The Lost Throne, which is due for release this year, and incredulously stars the likes of Rutger Hauer, Michael Biehn and Lou Ferrigno. If the series has managed to survive this long, who knows what sort of longevity it's really capable of? A terrifying thought. Did we miss any movie franchises that somehow are still going? Let us know in the comments!
Stay at home dad who spends as much time teaching his kids the merits of Martin Scorsese as possible (against the missus' wishes).
General video game, TV and film nut. Occasional sports fan. Full time loon.
