After years of rumors, fan pleas, and near-misses, the wait is finally over. Universal Pictures has officially confirmed that Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz will reunite as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell in The Mummy 4, a legacy sequel set to revive one of the most beloved action-adventure franchises of the late 1990s and early 2000s. The announcement, which dropped in early 2026, has sent shockwaves through fandoms still nostalgic for the globe-trotting thrills, witty banter, and practical-effects spectacle that defined the original trilogy. With a theatrical release locked in for May 19, 2028, this isn’t just another reboot attempt—it’s a full-circle homecoming for the stars and the spirit of the series.
The journey back to the sands began long before the official green light. Fraser, whose career resurgence following his Oscar-winning turn in The Whale has kept him in the spotlight, has long expressed openness to returning if the project honored the original tone. In interviews over the years, he emphasized the importance of a story that felt authentic rather than forced, highlighting the chemistry and heart that made The Mummy (1999) and The Mummy Returns (2001) such enduring hits. Weisz, who stepped away after the second film (replaced by Maria Bello in 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor), has similarly spoken fondly of the experience, praising the blend of romance, humor, and high-stakes adventure. Their mutual willingness set the stage for this reunion, and Universal’s decision to bring them both back signals a commitment to recapturing the magic that made the franchise a box-office juggernaut.
Directing duties fall to Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo known collectively as Radio Silence. Fresh off revitalizing the Scream franchise with sharp, self-aware entries and helming the horror-comedy gem Ready or Not, they bring a modern sensibility to the project. The pair have described the script—penned by David Coggeshall (The Family Plan, Orphan: First Kill)—as “very beautiful and sweeping and scary and fun,” promising a balance of epic scope, genuine frights, and the lighthearted energy fans associate with the originals. Their track record suggests they understand how to honor legacy while injecting fresh vitality, avoiding the pitfalls that plagued previous attempts to revive Universal’s monster properties.
Plot details remain closely guarded, but the film is positioned as a legacy sequel that effectively sidesteps the events of Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. This allows Rick and Evelyn to return in a way that feels organic, perhaps exploring their lives years later—maybe with their son Alex (now grown) or new family dynamics in play. Expect a return to the globe-trotting formula: ancient curses unearthed in exotic locales, high-octane chases through crumbling temples, and the signature mix of practical stunts, creature effects, and comedic timing that set the originals apart from drier historical adventures. The tone aims to blend classic swashbuckling with updated horror elements, leaning into the scares that made Imhotep’s resurrection so chilling while preserving the romantic spark between Rick’s roguish charm and Evelyn’s bookish bravery.
Fraser’s Rick O’Connell remains one of cinema’s most endearing action heroes—a wisecracking everyman who stumbles into heroism with reluctant swagger. His physicality, humor, and vulnerability made the role iconic, and his return promises to deliver the same crowd-pleasing energy. Weisz’s Evelyn, the intelligent Egyptologist whose curiosity often unleashes chaos, brought depth and wit to the franchise. Her absence in the third film was keenly felt, and her comeback restores the central partnership that grounded the supernatural mayhem in genuine emotional stakes. Together, they embody the heart of what made the series special: a couple facing impossible odds with love, laughter, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.
The supporting cast and additional plot threads are still unfolding, but the focus on Fraser and Weisz suggests a character-driven story amid the spectacle. Universal’s Dark Universe experiment in 2017 fizzled, but this approach—prioritizing legacy stars and fan-favorite dynamics—feels like a smarter path forward. The May 2028 release slots it firmly in the summer blockbuster window, giving the team ample time for production while building anticipation through marketing that will undoubtedly lean heavy on nostalgia.
Fans have every reason to celebrate. The original The Mummy arrived in 1999 as a breath of fresh air, blending Indiana Jones-style adventure with Universal Monsters horror and sharp humor. It grossed over $415 million worldwide and spawned sequels that kept the momentum going. Decades later, the films hold up as comfort watches—practical effects that still dazzle, quotable lines, and a sense of joyful escapism. This fourth chapter arrives at a moment when audiences crave that same blend of thrills and heart, especially from stars who’ve aged into their roles with grace and gravitas.
As production gears up, the excitement is palpable. Fraser’s career renaissance has made him a fan favorite once more, while Weisz continues to deliver powerhouse performances across genres. Under Radio Silence’s direction, The Mummy 4 has the potential to not only satisfy longtime devotees but also introduce the franchise to a new generation. It’s more than a sequel—it’s a celebration of what made the originals timeless: adventure that feels larger than life, characters worth rooting for, and the thrill of uncovering ancient secrets in the modern world.
Mark your calendars for May 19, 2028. Rick and Evelyn are coming home, and the sands are shifting once again.
