The Night At The Museum 2: Battle Of The Smithsonian—The Reboot, The Box Office, And 25 Hidden Entities

The iconic fantasy-comedy sequel, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian, remains a beloved family film 16 years after its debut, yet today, December 13, 2025, the conversation is shifting from the past to the future. The 2009 blockbuster, which took night guard Larry Daley from the familiar halls of the American Museum of Natural History to the sprawling, artifact-rich Smithsonian Institution, is still celebrated for its ambitious scope and star-studded cast.

The enduring magic of the film, directed by Shawn Levy and starring Ben Stiller, has sparked a major new development: a complete franchise reboot is officially in the works. This fresh installment promises a new cast and an original storyline, ensuring the spirit of the museum coming to life continues for a new generation, even as fans look back fondly on the massive, historical battle that unfolded across Washington D.C.'s most famous museums.

The Epic Scale of Battle of the Smithsonian: Box Office, Cast, and Critical Reception

Released by 20th Century Fox, Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian was a monumental cinematic undertaking that instantly cemented its status as a global hit. The film’s success was fueled by its expanded setting and the introduction of thrilling new historical figures.

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Commercial Success and Mixed Reviews

The sequel proved to be a massive commercial success, surpassing the original film's already impressive haul. Against a reported production budget of $150 million, the movie grossed a staggering $413 million worldwide, confirming the franchise's global appeal.

Despite this financial triumph, the film received "mixed reviews" from critics. While many praised the visual effects, the energetic pace, and the strong performances, particularly from new cast members like Amy Adams and Hank Azaria, some critics felt the narrative was overstuffed compared to the charming simplicity of the first movie.

The All-Star Ensemble: Key Cast Members

The film gathered an impressive roster of comedic and dramatic talent, with many original cast members returning to reprise their roles, alongside brilliant new additions.

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• Ben Stiller (Larry Daley): The former night guard, now a successful infomercial inventor, who must return to save his friends.
• Amy Adams (Amelia Earhart): The adventurous pilot and new love interest for Larry, her character brings a fresh, bold energy to the story.
• Hank Azaria (Kahmunrah): The scene-stealing main antagonist, the evil, lisping pharaoh and older brother of Ahkmenrah.
• Owen Wilson (Jedediah) & Steve Coogan (Octavius): The miniature duo who find themselves trapped and separated in the vast Smithsonian.
• Robin Williams (Theodore Roosevelt): Larry's trusted mentor and friend, whose bronze statue is mistakenly shipped to the Smithsonian.
• Christopher Guest (Ivan the Terrible): One of Kahmunrah's formidable allies, the historic Tsar of Russia.
• Alain Chabat (Napoleon Bonaparte): Another of Kahmunrah’s allies, the short-tempered French Emperor.
• Bill Hader (General Custer): The enthusiastic but misguided General Custer exhibit at the Smithsonian.

The chemistry among this large ensemble cast, particularly the hilarious villainous trio of Kahmunrah, Ivan the Terrible, and Napoleon Bonaparte, was a highlight for audiences.

25 Entities That Came to Life: The Smithsonian Artifacts

The move to the Smithsonian Institution allowed the filmmakers to expand the scope dramatically, incorporating artifacts from the National Air and Space Museum, the National Museum of Natural History, and the National Museum of American History. This sequel is notable for being the first and only feature film ever granted permission to film inside the Smithsonian, though the majority of the production took place on massive sound stages in Vancouver to replicate the museum's grandeur.

The film's topical authority is built on the sheer number of historical figures and artifacts that spring to life due to the magic of the Tablet of Ahkmenrah. Here are 25 of the most memorable entities featured in Battle of the Smithsonian:

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1. Kahmunrah: The primary villain, an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.
2. Amelia Earhart: The legendary American aviation pioneer.
3. Ivan the Terrible: The first Tsar of Russia.
4. Napoleon Bonaparte: The French military and political leader.
5. Al Capone: The infamous American gangster from the Prohibition era.
6. Theodore Roosevelt: The 26th President of the United States.
7. Jedediah: The miniature cowboy diorama figure.
8. Octavius: The miniature Roman General figure.
9. Ahkmenrah: Kahmunrah's younger brother and the original pharaoh from the first film.
10. Dexter the Capuchin Monkey: The mischievous primate who often steals Larry's keys.
11. General Custer: The U.S. Army officer from the American Indian Wars.
12. The Thinker: Auguste Rodin's famous bronze sculpture, who speaks briefly.
13. Albert Einstein Bobbleheads: Miniature, talking bobbleheads of the theoretical physicist who offer advice.
14. Tuskegee Airmen: Statues of the famous African American military pilots who help Larry.
15. Darth Vader Statue: The iconic *Star Wars* villain, who is briefly mistaken for a new ally.
16. Oscar the Grouch: The puppet from *Sesame Street* who makes a cameo.
17. Archie Bunker's Chair: Used by Kahmunrah as a throne in the National Museum of American History.
18. Dorothy's Ruby Slippers: Featured in the "Thanks for the Memories" exhibit.
19. The Giant Squid: A massive, tentacled model that moves within the museum.
20. The Abraham Lincoln Statue: The monument comes alive to momentarily intimidate the villains.
21. The Venus de Milo: The famous armless Greek statue who attempts to communicate.
22. The Wright Flyer: The airplane that Amelia Earhart uses to fly through the museum.
23. The F-104 Starfighter: A jet found in the National Air and Space Museum.
24. Cupid Statues: Small, singing cherubs who provide musical accompaniment.
25. Rexy the T-Rex Skeleton: Though not shipped to the Smithsonian, he is mentioned as the reason Larry must return.

The Legacy and The Future: A Franchise Reboot is Coming

The magic of the *Night at the Museum* franchise has proven to be timeless. Even after the release of the third installment, *Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb* (2014), and the 2022 animated Disney+ film, *Night at the Museum: Kahmunrah Rises Again*, the appetite for more stories remains strong.

The most significant and current news for fans is the development of a major franchise reboot by 20th Century Studios. Original trilogy director and producer Shawn Levy is attached to produce the new film, ensuring the creative DNA of the series remains intact.

This upcoming project is set to introduce a completely new set of characters, moving away from Ben Stiller's beloved Larry Daley. This decision allows the franchise to tell a "fresh story" and explore new museum settings and historical figures, opening up the world beyond the American Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institution.

As the new film is being developed, the original sequel, Battle of the Smithsonian, continues to be a benchmark for family adventure cinema. Its ability to seamlessly blend historical education with laugh-out-loud comedy, all while delivering a massive box office return, ensures its legacy. For fans, the film is a reminder of the power of imagination and the thrill of seeing history literally come to life.

The imminent reboot, with its promise of new characters and a new adventure, suggests that the Tablet of Ahkmenrah's power is far from exhausted. The journey that started with Larry Daley in 2006, expanded to the vastness of Washington D.C. in 2009, and continued in London in 2014, is now ready for its next, completely reinvented chapter. The magic is set to return to the museum, but this time, with a whole new cast to guide us through the night.