Mummy fans, the wait is over—it’s official. After nearly two decades since Brendan Fraser last donned the adventurer’s hat and Rachel Weisz wielded her ancient knowledge, Universal Pictures has greenlit The Mummy 4, reuniting the beloved original duo for a thrilling new chapter. The film is set to hit theaters on May 19, 2028, promising to recapture the perfect blend of pulse-pounding adventure, supernatural horror, witty humor, and heartfelt romance that made the 1999 original and its 2001 sequel instant classics.
The announcement comes as a triumphant return to form for the franchise. Fraser will reprise his role as Rick O’Connell, the rugged, quick-witted American adventurer whose charm and bravery turned him into an enduring action hero. Weisz returns as Evelyn “Evie” Carnahan-O’Connell, the brilliant, bookish Egyptologist whose passion for history often lands her (and everyone around her) in mortal danger. Their on-screen chemistry—equal parts banter, tenderness, and shared peril—defined the series’ early success, and fans have clamored for their reunion ever since The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor in 2008 shifted tones with a new lead actress and a more fantastical direction.
This new installment is positioned as a direct continuation of the story from The Mummy Returns, effectively sidelining the events of the third film. Plot details remain closely guarded, but the setup teases Rick and Evelyn facing fresh ancient threats—perhaps tied to unresolved curses, forgotten tombs, or a new supernatural force awakened in the modern world. Expect the signature elements: swarming scarabs, booby-trapped temples, high-stakes chases across deserts and ruins, and that irresistible mix of globe-trotting excitement and family dynamics. With the O’Connells now seasoned parents (their son Alex from the sequels could factor in), the story might explore legacy, aging gracefully in a dangerous world, and the enduring power of their partnership.
Steering the project are Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the directing duo known collectively as Radio Silence. Fresh off revitalizing the Scream franchise with clever, self-aware horror and high-energy set pieces, they bring a modern sensibility to the material. Their track record—Ready or Not‘s sharp wit and tension, Scream (2022) and Scream VI‘s inventive kills and meta commentary—suggests they’ll honor the original’s tone while infusing fresh scares and visual flair. The filmmakers have described the script as “very beautiful and sweeping and scary and fun,” emphasizing a balance of epic scope, genuine thrills, and heartfelt moments. They view the project as something special, not just another revival but a chance to make the franchise feel vital again.
The screenplay comes from David Coggeshall, whose credits include The Family Plan and Orphan: First Kill, promising a story that blends action-adventure with horror-comedy beats. Longtime franchise producer Jerry Bruckheimer and the original creative team are involved, ensuring continuity with the spirit that made the first two films stand out: practical effects mixed with CGI spectacle, globe-spanning locations, and characters who feel real amid the chaos.
Fraser’s return is especially poignant. After stepping away from Hollywood for years due to personal and industry challenges, his Oscar-winning comeback in The Whale (2022) reignited fan love and proved his star power remains undimmed. Weisz, an Oscar winner herself (The Constant Gardener), has maintained a steady career in prestige dramas and blockbusters, but her Evie remains one of her most iconic roles—smart, fearless, and endlessly endearing.
The timing couldn’t be better. Nostalgia for late-’90s/early-2000s adventure films has surged, with audiences craving escapist fun that combines practical stunts, practical humor, and genuine stakes. The Mummy (1999) grossed over $415 million worldwide on a modest budget, spawning sequels, spin-offs, and a lasting cultural footprint. This fourth film arrives in a landscape hungry for originals that feel familiar yet fresh—no reboots or multiverse overload, just Rick and Evie facing down evil once more.
Production is gearing up, with filming expected to ramp up in the coming months to meet the 2028 release. No additional cast has been confirmed yet, though fans speculate about returns from Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay or perhaps a grown-up Alex O’Connell. The focus, however, stays squarely on the O’Connells’ reunion—the heart that made the series soar.
For a generation that grew up quoting “No harm ever came from opening a chest” or cheering Rick’s improvised heroics, this is more than a sequel. It’s a homecoming. Rick and Evelyn are back, the sands of Egypt are stirring, and the adventure is far from over. Mark your calendars for May 19, 2028—the mummies are waking up, and the O’Connells are ready to send them back to sleep.
