In a thrilling development that’s reigniting nostalgia across generations, Universal Pictures is deep in final negotiations with original stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to reprise their iconic roles as Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan-O’Connell in a new installment of the beloved The Mummy saga. This long-awaited reunion comes nearly 25 years after their last on-screen adventure together in 2001’s The Mummy Returns, promising to deliver the swashbuckling action, supernatural thrills, and sparkling chemistry that made the franchise a cultural phenomenon. Directed by the acclaimed horror-comedy duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett—known collectively as Radio Silence—the project aims to honor the spirit of the early films while introducing fresh scares and spectacle for modern audiences.
The Mummy series exploded onto screens in 1999 with a reimagining of Universal’s classic monster legacy, blending Indiana Jones-style adventure with horror elements and romantic comedy. Brendan Fraser’s charismatic portrayal of Rick O’Connell—a roguish American adventurer with a heart of gold—paired perfectly with Rachel Weisz’s intelligent, resourceful Evelyn, a brilliant Egyptologist whose curiosity often sparked catastrophe. Their banter, bravery, and budding romance captivated viewers, turning the film into a blockbuster smash that grossed over $400 million worldwide. The sequel escalated the stakes with higher action, deeper mythology, and the introduction of their son Alex, solidifying the duo’s place as one of cinema’s most endearing on-screen couples.
Fraser and Weisz’s dynamic was the emotional core of the franchise’s golden era. Rick’s tough exterior masked vulnerability, while Evelyn’s bookish demeanor hid fierce determination—together, they faced resurrected mummies, ancient curses, and apocalyptic threats with wit and heroism. Supporting players like John Hannah as the comedic Jonathan Carnahan, Oded Fehr as the noble Ardeth Bay, and Arnold Vosloo as the menacing Imhotep added layers of fun and menace. The films’ success spawned theme park rides, merchandise, and enduring fan love, often hailed as peak popcorn entertainment.
The road to this reunion hasn’t been straightforward. After The Mummy Returns, Weisz opted out of 2008’s Tomb of the Dragon Emperor due to scheduling, with Maria Bello stepping in as Evelyn. Fraser returned, but the film shifted tones and locations to China, earning mixed reviews despite solid box office returns. A 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise attempted to launch a “Dark Universe” of interconnected monster movies but faltered critically and commercially, lacking the original’s charm and humor.
Now, with Fraser’s triumphant career resurgence—capped by an Oscar win for The Whale—and Weisz’s continued acclaim in projects like Black Widow and Dead Ringers, the timing feels perfect. Fraser has long expressed openness to returning if the story felt right, emphasizing the need for “fun” that defined the originals. Sources indicate this new film will disregard elements of the third entry, serving as a direct continuation of the first two, picking up with an older Rick and Evelyn facing a fresh ancient evil.
Radio Silence brings exciting credentials to the director’s chair. The team behind modern horror hits like Ready or Not, Abigail, and recent Scream revivals excels at blending scares with sharp humor and inventive kills—qualities that could refresh the franchise’s monster mayhem. Their approach promises practical effects alongside CGI spectacles: sweeping desert chases, intricate tomb traps, and visceral confrontations with undead horrors. The script, penned by David Coggeshall, focuses on legacy themes—aging adventurers passing the torch while confronting mortality and family bonds.
Fraser’s Rick, now in his late 50s, could evolve into a grizzled mentor figure, relying more on experience than brute force, while Weisz’s Evelyn leverages her scholarly expertise for clever solutions. Their grown son Alex might return, exploring generational dynamics amid escalating threats. Expect nods to Egyptian mythology, perhaps delving into unexplored curses or rival priesthoods, with high-stakes globe-trotting from Cairo ruins to hidden temples.
Fan excitement has surged since negotiations leaked in late 2025. Social media buzzes with memes, fan art, and pleas for supporting cast returns like Hannah and Fehr. Many celebrate the project’s fidelity to the originals, contrasting it with a separate Blumhouse horror reboot set for 2026. This legacy sequel positions itself as heartfelt fan service, capitalizing on nostalgia while appealing to new viewers discovering the classics on streaming.
Production details remain under wraps, but filming could begin soon for a potential late 2027 or 2028 release. Both stars are also attached as executive producers, ensuring creative input. Fraser has teased this as “the one I’ve been waiting for,” hinting at unresolved ideas from earlier sequels.
This reunion transcends mere nostalgia—it’s a testament to enduring characters and stars who’ve grown alongside them. Fraser and Weisz, now acclaimed dramatic forces, bring maturity to roles that launched their stardom. In an era of reboots, this feels authentic: a celebration of adventure cinema’s joy, where heroes quip amid peril and love conquers curses.
As ancient evils stir once more, Rick and Evelyn’s return promises to unearth treasures of excitement. The sands of time have been kind—prepare for one more unforgettable journey into the unknown.
