Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz May Be Back for a New 'Mummy' Adventure

After years of whispers and a recent career resurgence, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in talks to reunite for a brand-new The Mummy sequel, bringing back the fan-favorite duo for more ancient escapades.

TL;DR

• Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in discussions to star in a new The Mummy sequel.
• The project is described as a direct sequel that will disregard the events of 2008's Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
• Horror-comedy filmmakers Radio Silence (Ready or Not, Scream) are set to direct the much-anticipated return.

Picture this: a collective, enthusiastic "squee!" echoes across the internet. That's precisely the reaction when news broke that Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, the iconic duo who brought Rick O'Connell and Evelyn Carnahan to life, are reportedly in talks to return for a new The Mummy sequel. For many fans, this isn't just another movie announcement; it's a nostalgic dream come true, promising a return to the beloved action-adventure roots that captured hearts over two decades ago.

Universal Pictures is apparently keen to unearth one of its most cherished franchises, and it seems they’re doing it the right way: by bringing back the stars who made the series legendary. After their original films became major hits and launched Fraser into A-list status, the prospect of seeing Rick and Evelyn together on screen again is stirring up a whirlwind of excitement.

Bringing Back the Beloved Duo and a Fresh Vision Behind the Camera

Multiple sources indicate that Fraser and Weisz are currently in discussions to reprise their roles, with the project aiming to be a direct continuation. This means the new film will notably “disregard the events of the third movie,” 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. That installment, which saw Maria Bello replace Weisz as Evelyn and Luke Ford as an aged-up Alex, received tepid reviews and a middling response from moviegoers, effectively putting the franchise on ice for years.

Behind the camera, the filmmaking team known as Radio Silence — Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — is set to direct. This duo broke through with the clever and fun horror-comedy Ready or Not in 2019 and is widely credited with revitalizing the Scream franchise through successful entries in 2022 and 2023. Their involvement signals a potential blend of action, adventure, and perhaps a dash of modern horror wit, which could be a thrilling new direction for the series.

The original movies’ producer, Sean Daniel, is also returning, joined by frequent Radio Silence collaborators William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein of Project X Entertainment. This production banner has worked on films like Abigail, Scream 5, and Scream 6, indicating a consistent creative partnership with the directing team. The screenplay for this new installment comes from David Coggeshall, whose previous credits include The Family Plan and The Deliverance. Coggeshall himself seemed to confirm the news on social media, tweeting out a report with the comment, "Cat's out of the bag, I guess :)."

A Look Back at the First Chapter's Enduring Legacy

The original 1999 film, directed and co-written by Stephen Sommers, ingeniously blended action-adventure and romance with horror in a period setting, drawing comparisons to Indiana Jones. It introduced Brendan Fraser’s charmingly roguish American adventurer Rick O’Connell and Rachel Weisz’s spunky, intelligent Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan. Their chemistry, combined with exciting set pieces and a touch of supernatural peril, resonated deeply with audiences.

The movie was a massive commercial success, grossing over $422.5 million worldwide. This launched a thriving franchise that became one of Universal’s most reliable titles in the early 2000s. Its popularity spawned not only the sequel, The Mummy Returns (2001), but also a prequel featuring Dwayne Johnson’s early performance in The Scorpion King (2002), an animated series, and even a popular ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Source: The Hollywood Reporter, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Talks for New 'Mummy' Sequel," November 4, 2025.

Fraser and Weisz's Triumphant Returns to the Spotlight

The timing for a potential Mummy reunion couldn't be better, especially for its leading man. Brendan Fraser has experienced a remarkable career resurgence, culminating in his Best Actor Oscar win in 2023 for his powerful performance in Darren Aronofsky’s drama, The Whale. It was around that time that Universal reportedly began preliminary talks with Fraser for a new Mummy film, recognizing the immense public affection for the actor. Fans will next see Fraser in the comedic drama Rental Family, set to open on November 21.

Rachel Weisz, also an Oscar winner (for her supporting role in The Constant Gardener in 2006), has maintained a strong career. In recent years, she’s starred in Amazon Prime Video’s gender-swapped TV adaptation of Dead Ringers and co-starred in Marvel’s Black Widow. Her return alongside Fraser would complete the reunion that many fans have long desired, particularly given the strong on-screen dynamic they shared.

Universal previously attempted to revitalize the IP with the 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise. That film, intended to kickstart a new "Dark Universe" of monster movies, was critically panned despite a solid box office performance of $409 million worldwide. Its failure led Universal to abandon its broader shared universe plans, leaving many to yearn for the original, more lighthearted spirit of the Fraser-led films.

A Quote from the Man Himself

"The ingredient that we had going for our 'Mummy,' which I didn't see in the new one, was fun," Brendan Fraser told Variety back in 2022. This sentiment perfectly encapsulates what many fans hope the new sequel will recapture.

— Brendan Fraser, via Variety (2022)

Addressing the Elephant in the Tomb: Orientalism and Other 'Mummy' Films

While the news has sparked immense joy, it’s also brought into focus important conversations about the original films' cultural portrayals. One significant counterpoint raised by critics and some audiences is the issue of Orientalism. The original The Mummy movies, while beloved for their adventure, have been criticized for depicting Egypt, its culture, and history through a Western lens, often portraying it as mystical, archaic, or violent, needing "taming" by predominantly white heroes. Source: The Nerds of Color, "At First Glance, Universal’s ‘Mummy’ Sequel is Orientalist Regression," date not specified but refers to recent news.

For example, the casting of non-Egyptian actors like Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan (whose character is stated to be Egyptian through her mother) and Israeli actor Oded Fehr as the explicitly Muslim and Egyptian Ardeth Bay has been highlighted as problematic. Additionally, the films took significant liberties with Egyptian mythology, introducing concepts like the "Book of Amun-Ra" or associating Anubis with scorpions, which are not accurate to real historical and mythological accounts. As we continue to move towards more authentic and inclusive storytelling in Hollywood, these criticisms challenge the industry to do better.

Another limitation to consider is the existence of another The Mummy project already in the works. Director Lee Cronin (known for horror films like Evil Dead Rise) is helming a separate The Mummy film for New Line Cinema and Blumhouse. This project is notable for reportedly casting actual Egyptian actors like May Calamawy and May Elghety in main roles, aiming for a more culturally informed approach. There are even rumors that Cronin's film might be retitled The Resurrected to avoid confusion with Universal's franchise, suggesting a potential clash of cinematic mummies.

Fan Hopes for Returning Faces and New Blood in the O'Connell Family

Beyond Fraser and Weisz, fans are already buzzing with hopes for other original cast members to return. John Hannah, who played Evelyn's perpetually flustered brother Jonathan Carnahan, is a fan-favorite, with many hoping to see his comedic timing back in action. Similarly, Oded Fehr's portrayal of the enigmatic Medjai warrior Ardeth Bay left a lasting impression, and his return would be warmly welcomed by many, though as noted, his casting has also drawn criticism regarding representation.

With the new film disregarding Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, the role of Rick and Evelyn's grown son, Alex O'Connell, is ripe for recasting. He was last played by Luke Ford, but a younger version was seen in The Mummy Returns portrayed by Freddie Boath. This opens up an exciting possibility for a new actor to join the fray and potentially carry the torch for future installments.

Example: Imagine scrolling through social media, seeing countless fan edits comparing actor David Corenswet to a young Brendan Fraser. "Manifesting David Corenswet to play Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz’s son in the new Mummy sequel because LOOK HOW PERFECT," one fan posted on X, quickly racking up likes. The idea has grown rapidly, with many seeing the Superman actor, praised for his upbeat demeanor and physical resemblance to Fraser, as an ideal candidate to take on the role of an adult Alex. While Corenswet is currently busy leading the DCU's Man of Tomorrow, the thought of him sharing the screen with the original duo before potentially leading the franchise's next era is undeniably enticing for many.

Universal Pictures has yet to comment officially on the project, and plot details are being kept tightly under wraps (pun intended!). There's also no official release date for the film, but the sheer anticipation and discussion it has generated prove that Rick and Evelyn O'Connell remain deeply etched in the hearts of moviegoers. Let's hope this new adventure can successfully blend the beloved fun of the originals with a fresh, thoughtful approach for today's audiences.

Frequently Asked Questions About the New 'Mummy' Sequel When is the new 'Mummy' movie coming out? An official release date for the Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz-led sequel has not yet been announced. Filming and production details are still under wraps. Who is directing the new 'Mummy' film? The filmmaking duo Radio Silence, comprised of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, are set to direct the upcoming sequel. They are known for their work on Ready or Not and the recent Scream movies. Will the new movie ignore 'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor'? Yes, sources indicate that this new project will be a direct sequel that "would disregard the events of the third movie" from 2008, featuring Maria Bello and Luke Ford. Are there other 'Mummy' films in development? Yes, a separate The Mummy film from director Lee Cronin, produced by Blumhouse and New Line Cinema, is slated for April 17, 2026. This film may be retitled The Resurrected to avoid confusion with Universal's project. Practical Takeaways for Fans

• Manage Expectations for Details: While the news is exciting, specific plot points, additional cast members, and a release date are still unconfirmed.
• Prepare for a Different Vibe: With Radio Silence directing, expect a fresh take that could blend the original's adventure with modern horror-comedy sensibilities.
• Engage with the Discussion: This announcement brings important conversations about representation and storytelling to the forefront, offering a chance for the franchise to evolve thoughtfully.
• Revisit the Originals: Now's a great time to rewatch the first two Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz films to rekindle that nostalgic adventure spirit!

Sources

• The Hollywood Reporter, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in Talks for New 'Mummy' Sequel," by Borys Kit, November 4, 2025.
• Deadline, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Reportedly in Talks for 'The Mummy 4' Reunion," by Matt Grobar, November 4, 2025.
• CNN, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz reportedly in talks for ‘The Mummy 4’ reunion," by Lianne Kolirin and Lisa Respers France, Updated Nov 5, 2025.
• The Guardian, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to reunite for new Mummy movie – reports," November 5, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Will Return for The Mummy 4," November 4, 2025.
• MovieWeb, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Reportedly in Talks for The Mummy 4 Reunion as Fans Pitch Superman Actor For Their Son," November 5, 2025.
• Pajiba, "Here's the Most Exciting Sequel Announcement of 2025," by Dustin Rowles, November 5, 2025.
• The National Desk, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are bringing 'The Mummy' franchise back to life," by Seth Kingsley, November 5, 2025.
• The Nerds of Color, "At First Glance, Universal’s ‘Mummy’ Sequel is Orientalist Regression," by Swara Salih, Date not specified (refers to recent news).