The Scorpion King (2002) is an action-adventure film directed by Chuck Russell. It serves as a spin-off and prequel to the popular Mummy franchise, focusing on the origin story of Mathayus, also known as the Scorpion King, a character first introduced in The Mummy Returns (2001). The film stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in his first leading role in a feature film, which helped establish his career in Hollywood.

Set in ancient times, the story follows Mathayus, a skilled warrior and assassin, who is hired to kill the evil warlord Memnon (played by Steven Brand), who seeks to conquer and enslave all the tribes of the desert.

Memnon’s power is bolstered by the visions of his sorceress, Cassandra (played by Kelly Hu), who can predict the outcomes of battles. However, instead of killing Cassandra, Mathayus decides to kidnap her, using her to turn the tide against Memnon.

As Mathayus and Cassandra develop a bond, he takes on the mantle of the Scorpion King, rallying the remaining free tribes to unite against Memnon and his forces. The film is filled with intense action sequences, including sword fights, large-scale battles, and daring escapes.

The Scorpion King is known for its blend of action, adventure, and elements of fantasy. It combines fast-paced combat with a story of heroism and destiny.

While the film received mixed reviews from critics, it was a box office success and further expanded the Mummy universe, leading to additional sequels and spin-offs centered around the Scorpion King character.