Before The Mummy: The Rise of May Elghety & May Calamawy
What happens when two powerhouse women, May Calamawy and May Elghety, team up for a modern reboot of The Mummy? You get a film that’s not just about ancient curses and buried secrets but a celebration of Arab talent, identity, and full-on femme energy.
Both Mays, making waves on the global stage in their own ways, are finally joining forces. The world better be ready. Let’s break down how they each got here, what makes them stand out, and why they’re the duo we didn’t know we needed.
May Calamawy
Egyptian-Palestinian May Calamawy didn’t just break into Hollywood; she brought her full identity with her. And she’s not about to water it down.
Layla El-Faouly in Moon Knight
Most of us first saw her in Moon Knight, and let’s be honest, we were immediately obsessed. Her character Layla El-Faouly starts out as an archaeologist (classic Mummy vibes), but turns into something way more powerful: the Scarlet Scarab, an avatar of the goddess Taweret.
The moment she spread her golden wings? Iconic. The first Egyptian superhero in the MCU? History made.
Dena Hassan in Ramy
Before the superhero suit, Calamawy wowed critics as Dena Hassan in Ramy. She played a law student constantly juggling between what’s expected of her as a Muslim daughter and what she wants for herself. It was raw, nuanced, and so real for anyone who’s ever had to code-switch between cultures.
Started as the Lead, Ended Up Unnamed in Gladiator II
In late 2024, May made headlines when most of her scenes were cut from Ridley Scott’s Gladiator II. Fans suspected this move was linked to her outspoken support for Palestine.
What made it worse? She had originally landed the part after a global search, with insiders calling her lead role “crucial” to the plot. Fans weren’t having it. They took to social media in full force to call it out. The message was clear: she’s not just a star, she’s someone worth standing up for.
May Elghety
May Elghety grew up around the camera. Her mom’s a TV presenter, and her dad’s a scriptwriter, but she still forged her own path. Every role she’s taken has been bold, often controversial, and always unforgettable.
Bayada in El Kaserat
At just 15, Elghety starred in El Kaserat, a drama tackling the taboo subject of child marriage in Upper Egypt. Her role as Bayada was raw and heartbreaking, earning her Best Upcoming Actress at the Arab Drama Festival. It was an early sign that May wasn’t here for easy roles; she wanted impact.
Aisha in Eshtebak
Her international breakthrough came with Clash, a gripping political drama shot entirely inside a police van in Egypt in 2013. May held her own in a film loaded with tension and symbolism and Clash ended up opening Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section.
Nada in Nada
Then came Nada, a short film where she played a deaf dancer who connects with a blind pianist. No dialogue, just emotion, movement, and pure talent. The role earned her major recognition at festivals in the U.S., Spain, Sweden, Morocco, and more.
Azhar in Tayea
Elghety became a staple during Ramadan seasons with roles like Azhar in Tayea. Her face became familiar, but it was the depth she brought to every character that made her unforgettable.
May in Mama and Asmaa in Kamla
In recent years, May has gone full indie darling. MAMA premiered at the Cairo International Film Festival, and Kamla at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Both movies are centered on bold female narratives that resonated with critics and audiences alike.
Why We’re Rooting for Them
May Calamawy and May Elghety are more than just talented actresses; they represent a cultural shift. They’re carving out space for Arab women in a global industry that hasn’t always made room.
They take on roles with depth, purpose, and pride, showing that representation doesn’t mean fitting into a mold. In fact, it means breaking it. Whether it’s through political statements, complex characters, or stories that challenge stereotypes, they’re using their platforms to elevate, educate, and inspire.
They’re not just part of the conversation; they’re leading it. And with The Mummy on the horizon, their joint power feels like the beginning of a new era.
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