Brendan Fraser & Rachel Weisz Reunite: The Mummy 4 Officially Greenlit with Radio Silence Directing
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are officially reuniting for a brand-new installment in Universal’s The Mummy franchise, marking the first return of the beloved duo since The Mummy Returns in 2001. The project, currently untitled but widely referred to as The Mummy 4, is set for release on May 19, 2028, and will be directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo known as Radio Silence.
The news first surfaced in late 2025 when reports confirmed Fraser and Weisz were in talks to reprise their roles as Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan/O’Connell. By February 2026, Universal officially locked in the May 2028 date, with the studio closing deals for the stars and announcing the Radio Silence team to direct from a screenplay by David Coggeshall (The Family Plan, Orphan: First Kill). Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett, fresh off successes like Ready or Not, Scream (2022), Scream VI, and Abigail, bring a modern horror-comedy sensibility to the long-dormant adventure franchise.
Fraser, who led the original trilogy as the wisecracking adventurer Rick, had long expressed willingness to return if the project felt right. In past interviews, he emphasized the importance of recapturing the fun, swashbuckling spirit of the 1999 original and its 2001 sequel, while distancing from the tone of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008), which he did not star in. He once noted that the earlier films succeeded because they were “thrill rides” full of humor, heart, and spectacle, not straight horror. The new film’s script reportedly resonated deeply with him and Weisz, who is reprising Evelyn after sitting out the third movie.
Weisz, who played the brilliant, bookish Evelyn Carnahan, has spoken positively about the character over the years. Her return brings back the iconic chemistry between Evelyn and Rick—the intellectual adventurer and the roguish treasure hunter whose opposites-attract dynamic drove the original films’ appeal. The duo’s reunion is seen as a major selling point, especially after nearly two decades away from the roles.
Radio Silence’s involvement signals a fresh approach. Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett have built a reputation for blending horror, humor, and inventive set pieces. They have described the script as “beautiful, scary, sweeping, and fun,” with strong character work and heart. In interviews, they emphasized that Fraser and Weisz would only return if they truly loved the material, and both stars reportedly responded enthusiastically. The directors have teased that the film will “push PG-13 boundaries” while staying true to the franchise’s adventurous spirit, balancing scares, action, and comedy.
The original The Mummy (1999), directed by Stephen Sommers, blended action-adventure with horror and romance, grossing over $415 million worldwide and becoming a surprise hit. Its sequel, The Mummy Returns (2001), introduced Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay and Dwayne Johnson in an early role, earning even stronger box office returns. The 2008 spin-off Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, starring Jet Li and featuring Maria Bello replacing Weisz, underperformed critically and commercially compared to its predecessors.
The new film arrives at a time when legacy sequels and franchise revivals dominate Hollywood. Radio Silence’s track record with legacy properties—reviving Scream while respecting its roots—gives confidence that The Mummy 4 will honor the original tone while updating it for modern audiences. The project is currently in pre-production, with filming expected to begin later in 2026 or early 2027 to meet the 2028 release window.
Fans have reacted with overwhelming enthusiasm online, sharing clips from the original films, fan art of Fraser and Weisz back in action, and excitement about the Radio Silence team’s involvement. Many view the reunion as a chance to redeem the franchise after the mixed reception to the third entry and the failed 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise.
While plot details remain under wraps, the return of Fraser and Weisz as Rick and Evelyn suggests a story that revisits the core duo, likely involving new ancient threats, family dynamics (possibly including their son Alex from The Mummy Returns), and the signature mix of humor, romance, and high-stakes adventure. The involvement of Coggeshall, known for character-driven genre work, points to a script focused on heart and relationships alongside spectacle.
As The Mummy 4 moves toward production, anticipation continues to build. For many fans, the simple prospect of seeing Fraser and Weisz back together on screen—cracking jokes, dodging mummies, and saving the world—is enough to make it one of the most anticipated legacy sequels in years. With Radio Silence at the helm and the original stars returning, the adventure is poised to resurrect the magic that made the franchise a beloved classic.
