Night at the Museum reboot needs to bring back this forgotten character

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In the planning stages for a fresh take on “A Night at the Museum,” the storyline will feature a new group of characters. However, one particularly notorious historical figure from the previous films could use more limelight in this upcoming installment.

The Night at the Museum trilogy offered a rollercoaster ride filled with historical humor, educating both children (and yes, adults too) about various events throughout history, often using physical comedy. Indoors, Waxy Teddy Roosevelt galloped on horseback, a miniature cowboy narrowly escaped death in an hourglass, and Rami Malek sported eyeliner before it became fashionable.

In a somewhat whimsical yet endearing manner, they were quite foolish, yet possessed an enchanting quality. Following this, the 2022 animated sequel, Kahmunrah Rises Again, was entertaining but quickly faded from memory. However, with reboot plans underway, there’s another opportunity to recapture the essence that made the original films captivating.

In the latest installment of Night at the Museum, penned by Shawn Levy, Dan Levine’s 21 Laps, and Tripper Clancy (who wrote Stuber), we anticipate a brand-new tale with entirely fresh characters. While starting anew can be exhilarating, I believe it’s also a great chance to shine the spotlight once more on one of the less highlighted figures from the museum group: Ivan the Terrible.

Night in the Museum reboot should resurrect Ivan the Terrible 

In the film Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, Ivan the Terrible, who is known for accidentally killing his son with a walking stick during the 16th century and holding the title of Tsar, made a brief appearance as part of Kahmunrah’s evil gang.

In an unusual blend of history and humor, Christopher Guest’s character, Ivan, teamed up with figures as iconic as Al Capone and Napoleon. This unlikely trio could be seen as the most unconventional boy band in history. Their role, however, was not about harmonizing songs or dance moves. Instead, they engaged in witty banter and light-hearted intimidation, setting the stage for the main storyline to unfold.

To put it simply, Ivan was quite eccentric yet captivating in an extraordinary manner. His speech had a heavy accent, his eyebrows were dramatically pronounced, and each of his lines suggested a character stuck in a comedic situation, but with a dark undertone of a bureaucratic killer.

However, after that… he vanished, fading into obscurity much like an abandoned ornamental egg from a Fabergé collection. Yet, this seems to be an overlooked chance. Now that a revival is in progress, it presents a possibility for correction.

Absolutely, he had a minor part, yet Ivan’s true story brims with possibilities for cinema. He governed Russia by instilling terror and suspicion, established the initial form of the secret service (the Oprichniki), and laid the foundation for long-lasting authoritarian rule, influencing centuries to come.

Essentially, he’s like a warning sign on legs wearing a crown. The new version doesn’t need to make him a history lesson, but it could add layers to his character – perhaps beyond just a few words and a sulky scowl.

Additionally, bringing back Ivan could potentially lead to an exciting development – a collaboration with a wickedly eccentric monarch yet unseen in the series: Vlad III (also known as Vlad the Impaler), the historical figure behind Dracula. So, you got it right, we’re talking about the original vampire himself!

Speculation (or perhaps just enthusiastic suggestions) circulated during the 2010s that Sacha Baron Cohen could portray Vlad in a sequel to Night at the Museum. With current developments, it seems fitting to bring this idea to life. Can you envision the humor of matching a paranoid Russian tsar with the character who has shaped modern vampire mythology?

In essence, Night at the Museum shines most when it allows history to become eccentric. Reintroducing Ivan the Terrible could be entertaining, but having him collaborate with a ruthless adversary would turn it into a remake that’s definitely worth unearthing.

For now, explore the top new releases hitting streaming platforms this month, the box office champions throughout history, and some hilarious comedies available on Netflix.

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2025-07-10 14:49