Get Ready: Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Eyeing a Brand New Mummy Film

The desert winds are stirring once more! Fans of ancient curses and swashbuckling archaeologists, prepare yourselves: the legendary duo of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in talks to reunite for a brand new installment in the beloved The Mummy franchise. This isn't just a whisper; it's a full-blown sandstorm of excitement!

TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to The Mummy's Return

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in talks to reprise their iconic roles as Rick O'Connell and Evelyn Carnahan.
The upcoming movie is set to be a direct sequel to the first two films, intentionally sidestepping the events of 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
The filmmaking team Radio Silence, known for their work on the recent Scream movies and Ready or Not, is slated to direct, promising a blend of action, humor, and horror.

The Unmistakable Chemistry of Rick and Evie Might Be Back

For years, the internet has buzzed with fervent pleas for Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to return to the roles that made them household names. Their electrifying chemistry as the daring adventurer Rick O'Connell and the brilliant, often clumsy Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan was the beating heart of the original 1999 film and its 2001 sequel, The Mummy Returns. Now, it seems Universal Pictures is listening.

Multiple sources confirm that both Fraser and Weisz are currently in discussions to headline this new, as-yet-untitled Mummy movie (Source: Deadline, 'Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz Reuniting for Fourth ‘Mummy’ Movie,' November 4, 2025). This isn't just about bringing back familiar faces; it's about reigniting a cinematic magic that many fans have sorely missed.

Brendan Fraser's Resurgence Paved the Way for this Exciting Comeback

If you've been following Hollywood, you know Brendan Fraser has been on an incredible journey. After stepping away from the spotlight for personal reasons, his triumphant return culminated in an Oscar win for his powerful performance in 2022's drama The Whale. This career resurgence undoubtedly played a crucial role in getting Universal to consider revisiting their classic franchise with its original star.

During his comeback, Fraser himself expressed an openness to reprising Rick O'Connell, provided the "right conceit" came along (Source: Variety, 'Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz Reuniting for Fourth ‘Mummy’ Movie,' November 4, 2025). His genuine affection for the character and the series has always resonated with fans, adding another layer of authenticity to this potential return. You can catch him next in the comedic drama Rental Family, opening November 21.

Rachel Weisz's Return: A Crucial Piece of the Puzzle

Rachel Weisz, an Oscar winner herself for 2006's The Constant Gardener, notably opted out of the third film, 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, reportedly due to script concerns and having recently given birth. Her absence was deeply felt by fans, and Maria Bello stepped into the role of Evelyn Carnahan.

Weisz has maintained an impressive career, starring in projects like Amazon Prime Video's Dead Ringers and Marvel's Black Widow. Her willingness to even consider returning now speaks volumes about the quality and potential of this new project. Her participation is, for many, the make-or-break factor in recapturing the original films' beloved spirit.

A Bold New Direction: Ignoring the Third Movie's Events

One of the most intriguing details about this upcoming sequel is its reported decision to completely disregard the events of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. This allows the filmmakers to craft a narrative that directly continues the story of Rick and Evelyn as they were left in The Mummy Returns, effectively streamlining the franchise and resetting expectations.

This approach isn't unheard of in Hollywood; franchises like Halloween and Terminator have successfully used similar strategies to course-correct their timelines and bring back original stars. For The Mummy, it means shedding the baggage of a less-than-stellar installment and focusing solely on the dynamic that made the first two films so special.

The Radio Silence Touch: Blending Horror and Adventure Seamlessly

Guiding this new adventure will be the filmmaking duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence. These are the minds behind the critically acclaimed horror-comedy Ready or Not (2019) and the successful revitalization of the Scream franchise with its 2022 and 2023 installments. Their next film, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, is slated for an April 2026 release.

While their resume leans heavily into horror, Radio Silence has demonstrated a keen ability to balance genuine scares with humor and fast-paced action. This is a crucial skill for a Mummy movie, as Fraser himself once pointed out about the failed 2017 reboot: "The ingredient that we had going for our ‘Mummy,’ which I didn’t see in the new one, was fun. That was what was lacking in that incarnation. It was too much of a straight-ahead horror movie. ‘The Mummy’ should be a thrill ride, but not terrifying and scary."

“The ingredient that we had going for our ‘Mummy,’ which I didn’t see in the new one, was fun. That was what was lacking in that incarnation. It was too much of a straight-ahead horror movie. ‘The Mummy’ should be a thrill ride, but not terrifying and scary.”

— Brendan Fraser, on the 2017 reboot (Source: Variety, November 4, 2025)

Radio Silence's track record suggests they understand this balance, promising a sequel that could honor the original's unique blend of action, adventure, romance, and supernatural thrills.

The Enduring Legacy of the Original 1999 Blockbuster

Let's cast our minds back to 1999. Stephen Sommers' The Mummy burst onto screens, offering an exhilarating Indiana Jones-esque adventure infused with classic Universal Monster horror. Set in the 1920s, it introduced audiences to a treasure hunter and a librarian who accidentally awaken a supernaturally powerful high priest.

The film was a massive success, grossing over $422.5 million worldwide (Source: The Hollywood Reporter, 'Grammy Nominations: Kendrick Lamar Leads With Nine, Lady Gaga Nabs Seven,' November 4, 2025). It not only launched Fraser into A-list stardom but also spawned a profitable franchise, including a prequel (The Scorpion King, starring Dwayne Johnson in an early role), an animated series, and even a popular ride at Universal Studios Hollywood. Its enduring appeal was highlighted by a successful 25th-anniversary re-release in North American box office in April 2024 (Source: The Guardian, 'Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to reunite for new Mummy movie – reports,' November 5, 2025).

Learning from Past Missteps: The Case of the Dark Universe

Universal previously attempted to revive its classic monster properties with the "Dark Universe," starting with the 2017 The Mummy reboot starring Tom Cruise. Despite a significant star and a global box office take of over $400 million, the film was largely panned by critics and audiences, failing to ignite the interconnected universe Universal had envisioned (Source: ScreenRant, 'Why The Mummy 4 Still Isn't A Safe Bet Overall,' November 5, 2025).

This experience provides a crucial lesson: simply throwing a big name and a massive budget at a beloved IP isn't enough. The essence, the fun, and the specific tone that made the original work are paramount. The reported direction of this new sequel, focusing on the original cast and creative spirit, suggests Universal has taken this lesson to heart.

The Double-Edged Sword of Nostalgia: Weighing the Hopes and Hurdles

While the excitement for a Fraser and Weisz Mummy reunion is palpable, legacy sequels arriving decades after their predecessors have a mixed track record. For every Top Gun: Maverick, which soared to critical and commercial success, there's a Dumb and Dumber To or an Independence Day: Resurgence that leaves audiences scratching their heads (Source: Pajiba, 'Here's the Most Exciting Sequel Announcement of 2025,' November 5, 2025).

One challenge lies in managing expectations. Fans have built up years of anticipation, and delivering a film that lives up to that can be incredibly difficult. Another is translating the original film's charm for a contemporary audience without alienating the loyal fanbase. The film will need a smart script that respects the past while offering something fresh.

For example, imagine a fan, Sarah, who grew up watching The Mummy on repeat, drawn in by the adventurous spirit and crackling wit. When the news broke of Fraser and Weisz potentially returning, she felt an actual "squee!" of delight, a rare reaction for sequel announcements these days (Source: Pajiba, 'Here's the Most Exciting Sequel Announcement of 2025,' November 5, 2025). Her excitement is real, but so is her apprehension, remembering other cherished franchises that stumbled with belated follow-ups.

Furthermore, while Fraser's star has risen again, it's important to acknowledge that the landscape has changed. The Indiana Jones franchise, a clear inspiration for The Mummy, experienced this firsthand, with its later entries facing mixed reception despite Harrison Ford's iconic status. Universal will need to budget this new Mummy movie wisely, understanding that recapturing a $400 million-plus box office might require more than just nostalgia.

Looking Ahead: What This Means for Movie Buffs

Despite the inherent challenges, the potential return of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to The Mummy franchise is arguably one of the most exciting sequel announcements in years. It’s a move that prioritizes the heart of the original films – its characters and their dynamic – over simply restarting or re-imagining a brand.

With Radio Silence at the helm, there’s a genuine opportunity to infuse the series with a fresh, genre-savvy perspective that could delight both longtime fans and introduce Rick and Evelyn to a new generation. The decision to ignore the third film is a clear signal that the creative team is focused on what truly worked.

Practical Takeaways for Fans

Manage your excitement (just a little!): While talks are promising, remember it’s not official until Universal makes a formal announcement.
Revisit the classics: If you're feeling nostalgic, now's a great time to rewatch the first two Mummy films to get back into the spirit.
Keep an eye on Radio Silence: Their previous work gives a good indication of the tone and style we might expect, so check out Ready or Not or the recent Scream movies if you haven't.
Anticipate the unique blend: Expect a movie that tries to balance action, adventure, humor, and a solid dose of horror, much like the original.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

Is this a reboot or a sequel? Reports indicate it will be a direct sequel to the first two Mummy films, ignoring the events of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Who is directing the new Mummy movie? The filmmaking duo Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett) are set to direct. They're known for films like Ready or Not and the recent Scream entries. Will the original cast be back? Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in talks to reprise their roles as Rick O'Connell and Evelyn Carnahan, respectively. Why didn't Rachel Weisz return for the third film? She reportedly declined due to concerns over the script's quality and having recently given birth at the time.

Sources

The Hollywood Reporter, 'Grammy Nominations: Kendrick Lamar Leads With Nine, Lady Gaga Nabs Seven', November 4, 2025
The Guardian, 'Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to reunite for new Mummy movie – reports', November 5, 2025
CNN, 'Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz reportedly in talks for ‘The Mummy 4’ reunion', November 5, 2025
Polygon, 'The Mummy is returning with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, will ignore the 2008 sequel', November 5, 2025
Pajiba, 'Here's the Most Exciting Sequel Announcement of 2025', November 5, 2025
ScreenRant, 'The Mummy 4 Has Already Made Some Smart Decisions', November 5, 2025
CBR, 'The Mummy 4 Can Finally Fix the Franchise by Bringing Back Horror', November 5, 2025
Variety, 'Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz Reuniting for Fourth ‘Mummy’ Movie', November 4, 2025
Yahoo News, 'Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz 'in talks' for new Mummy movie, ignoring 2017 reboot', November 5, 2025
Deadline, 'Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz Reuniting for Fourth ‘Mummy’ Movie', November 4, 2025