The Mummy 4 Rises: Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Return as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell in Long-Awaited Sequel

After nearly two decades of silence, the sand is shifting once again. Universal Pictures is resurrecting its beloved adventure franchise with The Mummy 4, and the news has ignited excitement among fans who grew up with the swashbuckling charm of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. Reports indicate that principal photography is expected to begin as early as August 2026, with the film already locked in for a wide theatrical release on May 19, 2028.

The project marks a triumphant homecoming for the original stars. Brendan Fraser will reprise his role as the roguish adventurer Rick O’Connell, while Rachel Weisz returns as the brilliant Egyptologist Evelyn “Evie” O’Connell. Their on-screen chemistry — equal parts witty banter, genuine affection, and fearless action — defined the first two films and helped turn The Mummy (1999) and The Mummy Returns (2001) into global blockbusters. Many fans have long considered the third installment, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008), which recast Evelyn with Maria Bello, as something of an outlier. The new film appears poised to treat the first two movies as its true canon, with directors confirming Weisz’s involvement as the clearest sign that the story picks up where the O’Connells left off.

Taking the helm are Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo known collectively as Radio Silence. The pair earned a reputation for blending sharp horror, dark humor, and crowd-pleasing thrills through films like Ready or Not and the recent Scream legacy sequels. Their involvement suggests The Mummy 4 will honor the franchise’s adventurous spirit while injecting fresh energy, scares, and emotional depth. The screenplay comes from David Coggeshall, whose credits include The Family Plan and Orphan: First Kill. Directors have described the script in glowing terms — calling it “beautiful, scary, and sweeping” with plenty of heart and character moments that made the originals so endearing.

Plot details remain tightly under wraps, but the setup promises classic Mummy mayhem: ancient curses, globe-trotting escapades, larger-than-life set pieces, and the unbreakable bond between Rick and Evie as they face new supernatural threats. Fans can expect the return of the franchise’s signature tone — a perfect mix of Indiana Jones-style adventure, old-school monster movie chills, and family-friendly humor. The directors have emphasized that they want the film to feel special rather than purely nostalgic, striking a balance that respects the legacy while delivering something audiences haven’t seen before.

Production is moving quickly. According to recent updates from the directors, prep work is slated to begin in May 2026, with cameras rolling in August. This accelerated timeline reflects Universal’s confidence in the project as a major summer event film for 2028. The studio had quietly held the May 19, 2028 date for a big tentpole, and The Mummy 4 now occupies that prime real estate.

The long road to this revival has been filled with rumors, false starts, and fan longing. The original The Mummy was a surprise hit in 1999, grossing over $415 million worldwide on a modest budget and launching Fraser as a leading man capable of both physical comedy and heroic charisma. Weisz brought intelligence, warmth, and steely determination to Evie, creating one of cinema’s most beloved adventure couples. Their son Alex (played by Freddie Boath in the sequel) and the memorable supporting cast — including John Hannah as the comic-relief brother Jonathan and the late Oded Fehr as the stoic Medjai warrior Ardeth Bay — rounded out a world that felt rich and lived-in.

While Tomb of the Dragon Emperor struggled with mixed reviews and a noticeable shift in tone, the core appeal of Rick and Evie never faded. Over the years, fans have repeatedly called for their return, especially as Fraser experienced a career renaissance with critically acclaimed performances in The Whale and other projects. Weisz, meanwhile, has continued to deliver powerful performances across prestige dramas and genre films. Their willingness to step back into these iconic roles speaks volumes about the strength of the script and the creative vision behind the camera.

For a new generation discovering the films through streaming, The Mummy 4 offers a chance to experience the franchise on the big screen with its original stars. For longtime fans, it’s the long-awaited chance to see Rick and Evie together again — older, wiser, but no less ready to battle mummies, curses, and whatever ancient evil rises next. The decision to largely sideline the events of the third film allows the story to feel like a natural continuation rather than a complicated retcon.

As production gears up this summer, anticipation continues to build. Will we see the return of familiar faces like Jonathan or Ardeth Bay? Could the story introduce the next generation of the O’Connell family? How will Radio Silence blend their horror sensibilities with the lighthearted adventure that made the originals so rewatchable? While answers remain scarce for now, the directors’ track record suggests they understand what made the franchise special: unforgettable characters, breathtaking action, and a sense of wonder that never takes itself too seriously.

The timing feels particularly right. With audiences craving escapist blockbusters that deliver spectacle, heart, and humor, The Mummy 4 has the potential to become one of 2028’s biggest theatrical events. Brendan Fraser’s enduring popularity, combined with Weisz’s gravitas and the fresh directorial voice of Radio Silence, creates a compelling package that bridges nostalgia and modernity.

Of course, until cameras start rolling and official images or a teaser trailer drop, some uncertainty lingers — Hollywood development can shift quickly. Yet the combination of a firm release date, closed deals for the leads, an active production timeline, and enthusiastic comments from the directors makes this revival feel more solid than any rumor in years.

For those who fell in love with the sight of Rick O’Connell charging into battle with a grin and a shotgun, or Evie racing through the halls of Hamunaptra with a book in one hand and determination in her eyes, the wait is almost over. The desert is calling once more.

Are you ready for the adventure to begin again? After all these years, Rick and Evie are coming home — and this time, the whole world will be watching as the sands shift and the mummy rises anew.