Universal Pictures has dropped the hammer on one of the most anticipated comebacks in adventure cinema: The Mummy 4 is officially set for a wide theatrical release on May 19, 2028. The news, confirmed in early February 2026, reunites Oscar winners Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz as the iconic Rick and Evelyn O’Connell, bringing the franchise back to its beloved 1999-2001 roots after a 20-year absence from the original duo. Directing duties fall to Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett—known collectively as Radio Silence—for a fresh, darker, more intense take that promises to blend classic swashbuckling thrills with heightened horror and emotional stakes.
Fraser and Weisz’s return marks a triumphant full-circle moment. Fraser headlined the original trilogy—The Mummy (1999), The Mummy Returns (2001), and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008)—as the wisecracking, reluctant hero Rick O’Connell, whose charm and physicality defined the series. Weisz starred in the first two films as Evelyn Carnahan, the brilliant, bookish Egyptologist whose passion for ancient history ignited the adventure. Their on-screen chemistry—equal parts romance, banter, and high-stakes heroism—made the films instant classics. The 2008 installment, without Weisz, shifted tone and received mixed reviews, leaving fans clamoring for the original magic. Now, both stars have closed deals to reprise their roles, signaling Universal’s commitment to honoring what made the franchise a global phenomenon.
The choice of directors is bold and intriguing. Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett, the duo behind Ready or Not (2019), Scream (2022), Scream VI (2023), and Abigail (2024), bring a proven track record of blending horror, humor, and high-concept thrills. Their films excel at subverting expectations, ramping up tension, and delivering inventive set pieces. Universal’s partnership with Radio Silence follows their successful collaboration on Abigail, suggesting the studio trusts the team to reinvigorate the Mummy brand with a darker edge. While the original films balanced action-adventure with light horror, this revival promises more intense scares—perhaps deeper dives into ancient curses, supernatural dread, and psychological menace—while preserving the swashbuckling fun.
Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but the return of Fraser and Weisz points to a story centered on Rick and Evelyn. Speculation centers on their family legacy: the couple could face new threats tied to their past exploits, perhaps involving their son Alex (from The Mummy Returns) or fresh curses unearthed in the modern world. The 2028 release date—nearly 30 years after the original Mummy—positions the film as a legacy sequel, appealing to nostalgic fans while introducing the adventure to a new generation. The script, penned by David Coggeshall (The Family Plan, Orphan: First Kill), is expected to honor the series’ tone of globe-trotting excitement, witty banter, and larger-than-life villains.
The franchise has a rich history. Stephen Sommers’ 1999 reboot transformed the classic Universal Monsters tale into a blockbuster action-adventure, grossing over $415 million worldwide on a modest budget. Its 2001 sequel pushed the spectacle higher, introducing more family dynamics and spectacle. The 2008 entry, directed by Rob Cohen and starring Jet Li as the Dragon Emperor, shifted to a different tone and location, earning mixed reviews but still profitable. Attempts to reboot the series in 2017 with Tom Cruise failed to recapture the magic, leading Universal to pivot back to the original stars.
Fraser’s career renaissance—capped by his Oscar win for The Whale (2022)—makes his return especially poignant. The actor has spoken fondly of the Mummy films as career highlights, and fans have long campaigned for a reunion with Weisz. Weisz, an Oscar winner for The Constant Gardener (2005), brings gravitas and wit that perfectly complemented Fraser’s everyman hero. Their chemistry remains one of the franchise’s biggest assets.
The May 19, 2028, date places the film in the summer blockbuster window, competing in a crowded but high-profile slot. Universal’s decision to lock the date early reflects confidence in the project and the stars’ draw. Production is expected to ramp up soon, with filming likely beginning in 2026 or early 2027 to allow for extensive visual effects work on ancient tombs, curses, and action sequences.
For fans, this revival is a dream come true. The original films combined Indiana Jones-style adventure with horror-comedy, memorable villains like Imhotep (Arnold Vosloo), and a sense of wonder that modern blockbusters often lack. Bringing back Fraser and Weisz, under directors known for clever horror twists, promises a balance of nostalgia and fresh energy. Expect mummies rising, ancient evils awakening, and Rick O’Connell quipping his way through chaos once more.
As the countdown to May 19, 2028, begins, the hype is palpable. The Mummy 4 isn’t just a sequel—it’s a resurrection of a beloved era, with the stars who made it legendary leading the charge. Get ready to dust off your fedora and brace for curses, comedy, and cinematic thrills that only Universal’s classic monster revival can deliver.
