The band is back together, and the sands of adventure are shifting once more. After years of rumors, fan campaigns, and near-misses, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are officially reuniting for a brand-new chapter in the beloved The Mummy franchise. Titled simply The Mummy 4 (working title for now), this long-awaited sequel brings back the iconic duo of Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan-O’Connell, promising a return to the swashbuckling spirit, sharp humor, and pulse-pounding thrills that made the original films such enduring crowd-pleasers.
The announcement, which broke in late 2025 and has since been confirmed by Fraser himself, marks a triumphant homecoming for the franchise that launched in 1999 under director Stephen Sommers. That first film—a clever, effects-driven reboot of Universal’s classic monster tale—blended action, romance, horror, and comedy into a summer blockbuster smash, grossing over $415 million worldwide on a modest budget. Fraser’s charming, everyman hero Rick O’Connell stole hearts as the wisecracking American adventurer who accidentally awakens the ancient curse of Imhotep. Weisz, as the brilliant, fearless Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan, provided the intellectual spark and romantic chemistry that grounded the spectacle.
The pair reprised their roles in 2001’s The Mummy Returns, which escalated the stakes with family dynamics (introducing their son Alex) and even bigger set pieces. Weisz opted out of the 2008 threequel, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, which shifted locations to China and recast Evelyn with Maria Bello—resulting in a film that, while profitable, failed to recapture the original magic for many fans. Universal’s 2017 attempt to relaunch the franchise as part of the short-lived “Dark Universe” with Tom Cruise fizzled critically and commercially, leaving audiences yearning for the lighter, more fun tone of the Fraser-Weisz era.
Enter directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo known as Radio Silence. Fresh off the success of Ready or Not (2019)—a wickedly funny horror-thriller—and their sharp revival of the Scream franchise in 2022 and 2023, they bring a proven track record of blending high-stakes action with clever humor, self-aware wit, and genuine scares. Their style aligns perfectly with what made the original Mummy special: spectacle that never takes itself too seriously, characters you root for, and a sense of gleeful adventure. The script comes from David Coggeshall, whose work on genre projects like Scream: The TV Series and action-comedy The Family Plan suggests a balance of thrills and laughs.
Fraser, now in his late 50s and riding high on his career resurgence (including an Oscar win for The Whale in 2023), has long been open about his affection for the role. He previously stated he’d only return if the project felt right—”I’ve always said I like the idea and I always will”—and in late 2025 interviews, he confirmed the call had finally come. “I’ve been waiting 20 years for this,” he said, adding that the new film aims to “give the fans what they want.” Weisz, an Oscar winner herself (The Favourite) and a respected producer, has reportedly been enthusiastic about revisiting Evelyn, especially with Fraser by her side. Their chemistry remains one of the franchise’s greatest assets—playful banter, genuine affection, and that spark of opposites-attract romance.
Plot details remain closely guarded, but the film is positioned as a direct sequel to The Mummy Returns, effectively sidelining the third entry to restore continuity. Expect the O’Connells—now perhaps empty-nesters or dealing with grown children—to face a new ancient threat, blending Egyptian mythology with high-octane set pieces: crumbling tombs, desert chases, supernatural showdowns, and plenty of comedic mishaps. The tone promises more adventure, more humor, and that classic thrill-ride energy—think practical stunts mixed with modern VFX, witty one-liners, and heart amid the chaos.
Nostalgia plays a huge role here. The original Mummy films hold a special place in pop culture as the last great pre-CGI-heavy adventure blockbusters, full of practical effects, location shooting in Morocco and Jordan, and a sense of joyful escapism. Fraser’s Rick embodied the everyman hero—tough but relatable, heroic but flawed—while Weisz’s Evelyn brought brains, bravery, and a touch of awkward charm. Their reunion taps into a deep well of fan love, amplified by Fraser’s “Brennaissance” and the cultural appetite for legacy sequels done right (think Top Gun: Maverick or Creed).
Supporting cast details are sparse, but there’s buzz about potential returns. John Hannah, who played Evelyn’s comic-relief brother Jonathan Carnahan, has spoken positively about the project after chatting with Fraser in 2025—he noted plans to bring back as much of the original ensemble as possible. Even Dwayne Johnson has expressed openness to reprising his breakout role as The Scorpion King, though nothing is confirmed. New faces could join to refresh the dynamic, perhaps as allies, rivals, or the next generation of adventurers.
Production is moving forward at Universal, with development accelerating after the 2025 greenlight. No firm release date has been set, but speculation points to 2027–2028 to allow time for scripting, pre-production, and the kind of ambitious location work the series demands. Radio Silence’s involvement ensures a fresh yet respectful take—honoring the originals’ spirit while injecting contemporary energy.
For fans who’ve waited decades, this is more than a reboot—it’s a celebration. The magic that made The Mummy a cultural touchstone—adventure, romance, monsters, and laughs—is officially back. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz stepping into those iconic roles again feels like destiny fulfilled. The tomb is opening, the curse is stirring, and the thrill ride is ready to begin once more.
