The Return of Legends: Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Set for Fourth 'Mummy' Film

The beloved adventure franchise, “The Mummy,” is officially set for a continuation, much to the delight of long-time fans. Universal Pictures has formally announced that a fourth film is currently in development, which will feature the highly anticipated reunion of its original leading actors, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz.

While the project remains in its nascent stages, key creative personnel have already been attached. The directorial duties will be handled by the acclaimed duo Radio Silence, consisting of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. This team is recognized for successfully revitalizing the “Scream” franchise, alongside their work on films such as “Ready or Not” and “Abigail.” The screenplay is being crafted by David Coggeshall, who previously penned “Orphan: First Kill.”

Crucially, the studio is positioning this new entry not as a complete reboot, but as a direct sequel. Reports indicate this installment will bypass the events of the 2008 third film, “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” notably the one entry where Rachel Weisz did not participate. This decision signals a clear intent to return to the narrative established by the original stars.

The prospect of Fraser reprising his role as Rick O’Connell and Weisz returning as Evelyn Carnahan has generated significant buzz, particularly given the actors' recent professional achievements. Fraser secured the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2023 for his performance in “The Whale.” Weisz, for her part, earned her Oscar statuette in 2006 for her role in the drama “The Constant Gardener.” Their undeniable on-screen chemistry in the initial two films, both directed by Stephen Sommers, established a gold standard for the adventure genre.

The original picture, released on May 7, 1999, quickly became a global phenomenon, achieving a worldwide gross exceeding $418.1 million against a production budget of $80 million. This monumental success paved the way for the sequel, “The Mummy Returns” (2001), which proved to be the highest-grossing film of the original trilogy, and the spin-off “The Scorpion King,” which served as a launching pad for the career of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Universal’s unsuccessful attempt to relaunch the property in 2017, starring Tom Cruise, only served to underscore the enduring appeal and necessity of the original formula, which Fraser himself described as centered on high adventure and “fun.”

Veterans of the production are also being brought back into the fold, including producer Sean Daniel and the team from Project X Entertainment. The strategic recruitment of Radio Silence, known for their signature blend of action, horror, and humor, strongly suggests a deliberate effort to restore the genre harmony that defined the earlier films. This move signals a clear intent to refocus on the swashbuckling, adventure-driven tone that captivated audiences at the turn of the millennium, ensuring the legacy of Rick and Evelyn is honored.