Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Could Be Bringing 'The Mummy' Back from the Dead!

After years of waiting, it looks like Rick and Evelyn O'Connell might be dusting off their adventuring gear for a brand-new Mummy movie, with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz reportedly in talks to return.

TL;DR

• Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in discussions for a fourth Mummy film, reuniting 26 years after the original.
• The new movie will be directed by horror-comedy specialists Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Radio Silence) and will reportedly disregard the events of 2008's Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
• Fans are buzzing with excitement, especially after Fraser's career resurgence and Oscar win, hoping for a return to the beloved blend of humor and adventure.

Imagine this: You’re scrolling through your feed, minding your own business, when suddenly, a headline pops up that makes you do a double-take. “Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are bringing 'The Mummy' franchise back to life!” For fans of the classic adventure films, this isn't just news; it's a "timeline bounce back," as one thrilled commenter put it on Instagram. It’s enough to make you "let out a little scream on the NYC subway."

Yes, you heard that right! Our favorite rogue treasure hunter, Rick O'Connell, and his brilliant Egyptologist wife, Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell, might be reuniting on the big screen. Reports are swirling that Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are in talks to reprise their iconic roles for a fourth installment of The Mummy franchise. This comes a whopping 26 years after the first film charmed audiences worldwide.

Unearthing the Beloved Original Magic: Why Fans Are So Excited

The original 1999 film, The Mummy, wasn't just another action-adventure flick; it was a phenomenon. It reimagined Universal's classic monster with an Indiana Jones-esque twist, blending action, romance, comedy, and just the right amount of horror. Fraser's charismatic performance as Rick and Weisz's witty portrayal of Evelyn created an undeniable on-screen chemistry that became the heart of the series.

Directed by Stephen Sommers, the movie was a massive hit, raking in over $422.5 million worldwide against an $80 million budget. This success launched Fraser into A-list stardom and quickly led to the 2001 sequel, The Mummy Returns, which continued their adventures as a married couple with a son, Alex. That film also performed incredibly well, grossing $435 million globally. Source: [Newsweek, 'The Mummy' is Being Revived With Brendan Fraser Officially Set for Return, November 4, 2025].

These films weren't just box office gold; they inspired spin-offs like The Scorpion King starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and even famed attractions at Universal parks. They cultivated a dedicated fanbase who adored the unique blend of over-the-top action, witty banter, and genuinely fun escapism.

Navigating the Cursed Sands: The Franchise's Rocky Past

However, the journey hasn't always been smooth for the O'Connells. Rachel Weisz did not return for the third film, 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, where her character was recast with Maria Bello. While that film still managed to gross over $400 million worldwide, many fans felt something was missing without Weisz's presence.

Universal then attempted a full-blown reboot in 2017 with Tom Cruise at the helm, hoping to kickstart a new "Dark Universe" of interconnected monster Movies. Unfortunately, that film was critically panned, earning a dismal 15% Freshness Rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Source: [The National Desk, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are bringing 'The Mummy' franchise back to life, November 5, 2025]. The ambitious Dark Universe plans were subsequently scrapped after the movie failed to meet expectations, despite a $409 million worldwide box office haul. Source: [Polygon, The Mummy is eternal; as such, the film series is set to return, November 4, 2025].

For Brendan Fraser, the key missing ingredient in the reboot was clear. He told Variety in 2022:

"The ingredient that we had going for our 'Mummy,' which I didn't see in the new one, was fun."

— Brendan Fraser, Variety (2022)

It’s this emphasis on "fun" — the over-the-top action sequences, goofy romantic tension, and campy yet creepy special effects — that fans desperately want to see return.

The Brenaissance and Weisz's Triumphant Return

The timing for a Mummy revival couldn't be better, especially with Brendan Fraser's incredible career comeback. After stepping out of the Hollywood limelight for a period, Fraser made a triumphant return, culminating in his Academy Award win for Best Actor in 2023 for his powerful performance in The Whale. His "Brenaissance" has sparked a wave of nostalgia and renewed adoration for the beloved star, with fans vocally calling for his return to fan-favorite roles like Rick O'Connell.

Rachel Weisz is also an Oscar winner, having earned her award in 2006 for her supporting role in The Constant Gardener. She has continued to star in critically acclaimed projects and major blockbusters, including Marvel's Black Widow. Both actors have previously expressed an openness to reprising their Mummy roles if the right concept came along.

Meet the New Adventuring Party: Directors and Writers

So, who’s helming this potential resurrection? The reports indicate that the new Mummy movie will be directed by the filmmaking duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence. These are the minds behind the popular horror-comedy hits Ready or Not, as well as the successful revitalization of the Scream franchise with 2022's Scream and 2023's Scream 6. Their experience blending scares with humor seems like a perfect fit for The Mummy's unique tone.

The screenplay is reportedly being penned by David Coggeshall, whose previous credits include The Family Plan and The Deliverance. Coggeshall himself appeared to confirm the news on social media, tweeting out the Deadline article with the comment: "Cat’s out of the bag, I guess :)." Franchise veteran Sean Daniel is also set to produce, alongside William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein of Project X Entertainment. Source: [Deadline, Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser in Discussions to Return for New ‘Mummy’ Movie, November 4, 2025].

What Can We Expect from This New Expedition?

While plot details are currently under wraps, one crucial piece of information has emerged: this new project will be a direct sequel that reportedly "disregards the events of the third movie," The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. This means the story will pick up after The Mummy Returns, offering a fresh slate for Rick and Evelyn without being tied to the less popular third installment. It’s a smart move that honors the core fan base.

If Fraser gets his way, expect a generous helping of fun, humor, and thrilling adventure. Original director Stephen Sommers previously stated that for him, a Mummy movie "has to be [in Egypt]," even if it starts elsewhere. This sentiment suggests a return to the franchise's roots, focusing on the blend of ancient curses and modern swashbuckling that defined the first two films.

A Counterpoint: Don't Confuse Your Mummies!

It’s worth noting that another Mummy picture is reportedly in the works, produced by Blumhouse and Atomic Monster for Warner Bros., from Evil Dead Rise director Lee Cronin. This project is entirely separate from Universal's franchise and is rumored to be retitled The Resurrected to avoid confusion. So, rest assured, the Brendan Fraser/Rachel Weisz reunion is a distinct and highly anticipated event from Universal Pictures.

As of now, Universal Pictures representatives have declined to comment on the reports, indicating that discussions are likely still ongoing or in the early stages. This means fans should temper their excitement with a dash of patience, but the buzz is undeniably real.

The Roaring Fan Reaction: From Subway Screams to Casting Calls

The news has ignited a firestorm of excitement across social media. Instagram comments on Variety's post about the news paint a clear picture: "OMG!!! I just let out a little scream on the NYC subway. This makes me so so so so happy," one fan wrote. Another added, "Thank god, SOMETHING to look forward to in these dark times." Many have even jokingly called the Mummy revival a "win for bisexuals," referencing a long-standing meme within the fandom.

Fans are already looking ahead, with several suggesting David Corenswet (known for his role in Superman) as a potential candidate to play an older version of Rick and Evelyn's son, Alex, who was last seen as a young man in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. This collective engagement highlights just how deeply these characters and their world resonated with audiences.

Example: A Fan's Renewed Hope

Think of Sarah, a lifelong fan who first saw The Mummy with her dad when she was ten. She rewatches the first two films every few years, cherishing the escapism and the witty dialogue. When the 2017 reboot came out, she felt a pang of disappointment, missing the original cast's magic. Hearing about Fraser and Weisz potentially returning sent her straight to her phone, texting all her friends in excited capital letters. It's not just a movie; it's a piece of her cinematic childhood making a comeback, promising the very "fun" Fraser himself talked about.

This is precisely the kind of passion Universal hopes to tap into. The genuine wave of millennial nostalgia for Brendan Fraser and the original Mummy films is a significant asset, especially at a time when other attempts at modern monster flicks haven't always hit the mark.

Practical Takeaways for Aspiring Adventurers

• Keep an Eye Out for Official Confirmations: While reports are strong, Universal hasn't officially commented yet. Stay tuned to reliable entertainment news outlets.
• Prepare for a Return to Form: The creative team and the decision to disregard the third film suggest a conscious effort to recapture the charm and tone of the first two movies.
• Revisit the Classics: If you haven't seen them in a while, now's the perfect time to rewatch The Mummy (1999) and The Mummy Returns (2001) to refresh your memory and hype yourself up!
• Embrace the Fun: Expect a movie that prioritizes adventure, humor, and the undeniable chemistry between its leading stars.

It seems the ancient curse that plagued the franchise is finally being lifted. With Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz potentially back together, guided by directors who know a thing or two about blending genres, the future of The Mummy looks brighter than any forgotten treasure.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New Mummy Movie When is the new Mummy movie expected to be released? No release date has been announced yet, as the project is still in early stages with cast reportedly in talks. Will the new movie ignore The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor? Yes, reports indicate the new film will be a direct sequel to The Mummy Returns and will disregard the events of the third movie. Who is directing the new Mummy film? Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known collectively as Radio Silence, who directed Ready or Not and Scream 5 & 6, are reportedly set to direct. Will Tom Cruise's 2017 Mummy reboot be part of this new storyline? No, this new film is a continuation of the original Brendan Fraser-led series and is unrelated to the 2017 reboot or its failed "Dark Universe" plans. Sources

• The National Desk, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are bringing 'The Mummy' franchise back to life," Seth Kingsley, November 5, 2025.
• Deadline, "Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser in Discussions to Return for New ‘Mummy’ Movie," Matt Grobar, November 4, 2025.
• Yahoo, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are bringing 'The Mummy' franchise back to life," November 5, 2025.
• CNN, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz reportedly in talks for ‘The Mummy 4’ reunion," Lianne Kolirin and Lisa Respers France, November 5, 2025.
• Polygon, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Will Return for The Mummy 4," November 4, 2025.
• Newsweek, "‘The Mummy’ is Being Revived With Brendan Fraser Officially Set for Return," James Brizuela, November 4, 2025.
• SYFY WIRE, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Will Return in Fourth Mummy Film from Abigail Directors (REPORT)," Josh Weiss, November 4, 2025.