Is The Mummy 4 Finally Rising? Brendan Fraser & Rachel Weisz Reportedly In Talks For New Film

Hold onto your fedoras, adventure fans! After years of whispers and a failed reboot, original stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in discussions to return for a brand-new Mummy movie, with horror darlings Radio Silence at the helm.

TL;DR

• Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in talks to reprise their roles as Rick and Evelyn O'Connell in a new Mummy film.
• The new movie is envisioned as a direct sequel to the first two films, completely disregarding the 2008 third installment and the 2017 reboot.
• Filmmaking duo Radio Silence (known for Ready or Not and recent Scream entries) are set to direct, promising a fresh yet familiar tone.

Picture this: you're settling in for a movie, popcorn in hand, expecting a thrilling blend of ancient curses, swashbuckling heroes, and witty banter. Then the lights dim, and it's... just kind of gloomy. That's a bit like what happened with the 2017 Mummy reboot, which despite its star power (hello, Tom Cruise!), didn't quite capture the magic. In fact, that film, while grossing $409.2 million worldwide, actually resulted in an estimated $17.1 million loss for Universal at the box office after production costs and theatrical cuts. Source: [Forbes, How Much Did It Cost Universal To Make ‘The Mummy’?, November 5, 2025].

Now, however, it seems Universal Pictures might be ready to unearth the franchise in a way that truly excites fans: by bringing back the dynamic duo who started it all. Yes, you heard that right – Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in talks to reunite for a new Mummy adventure!

The Original Adventurers Are Reportedly Dusting Off Their Gear

For many, 1999's The Mummy wasn't just a movie; it was an experience. It introduced us to the charmingly chaotic American adventurer Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser) and the brilliant, spirited Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan (Rachel Weisz). The film was a massive hit, raking in over $422.5 million worldwide and cementing Fraser's status as a leading man. Source: [The Hollywood Reporter, ‘One Battle After Another’ Breakout Teyana Taylor Takes Over, November 4, 2025]. The chemistry between Fraser and Weisz was undeniable, carrying the 2001 sequel, The Mummy Returns, to even greater box office success ($443.3 million globally). Source: [Forbes, How Much Did It Cost Universal To Make ‘The Mummy’?, November 5, 2025].

The prospect of their return after all these years is a huge deal for fans who missed their specific brand of action-adventure. Weisz notably sat out the third film, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008), with Maria Bello stepping in. That third entry, despite bringing in over $400 million, received a lukewarm reception and effectively put the franchise on ice for a while.

A New Vision from Radio Silence Will Guide This Ancient Tale

So, who’s helming this monumental reunion? None other than the filmmaking team known as Radio Silence: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett. This duo broke onto the scene with the clever horror-comedy Ready or Not (2019) and have since successfully revitalized the Scream franchise with two well-received films in 2022 and 2023, along with the recent vampire flick Abigail. Their involvement suggests a fresh, energetic approach that could perfectly blend the horror elements with the beloved action and humor of the original films.

The screenplay for this new installment comes from David Coggeshall, whose credits include The Family Plan. Coggeshall himself seemed to tease the news on social media, tweeting out a Deadline article with the comment: “Cat’s out of the bag, I guess :)” Source: [Entertainment, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz reportedly in talks for ‘The Mummy 4’ reunion, November 5, 2025]. This playful acknowledgment offers a glimmer of unofficial confirmation from those close to the project.

Why This Revival is Happening Now: Timing is Everything

The timing for this potential return couldn't be better for both stars. Brendan Fraser has experienced a remarkable career renaissance in recent years, culminating in his Best Actor Oscar win in 2023 for his powerful performance in The Whale. This comeback has brought him back into the Hollywood spotlight and, crucially, back into demand.

During the press tour for The Whale in 2022, Fraser openly discussed his interest in reprising the role of Rick O'Connell. He told Variety, "I don’t know how it would work, but I’d be open to it if someone came up with the right conceit." Source: [Variety, Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz Reuniting for Fourth ‘Mummy’ Movie, November 4, 2025]. This sentiment clearly resonated with Universal, who reportedly began preliminary talks with Fraser around that time.

Rachel Weisz, meanwhile, has continued to impress with diverse roles, winning an Oscar in 2006 for The Constant Gardener and more recently starring in projects like Marvel’s Black Widow and Amazon Prime Video’s Dead Ringers series. Both actors are at a point in their careers where a return to a beloved franchise could feel like a thoughtful, welcomed homecoming rather than a desperate grab for relevance.

A Clear Break from Previous Attempts and What Fraser Thinks Works

Crucially, sources indicate that this new project is a direct sequel that will specifically disregard the events of the third film, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, as well as the 2017 Tom Cruise reboot. This is fantastic news for fans who felt the franchise lost its way. It means the new movie can build directly on the beloved dynamic and tone established in the first two films.

"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, speaking to Variety in 2022 about the 2017 reboot.

Fraser's insight points directly to the magic Universal is likely hoping to recapture. The original films masterfully blended action, adventure, romance, and supernatural horror with a lighthearted, Indiana Jones-esque charm. The 2017 reboot, aiming for a "Dark Universe" of interconnected monsters, instead leaned too heavily into serious horror, losing the "fun" Fraser highlighted.

For example, imagine a fan, Sarah, who grew up watching The Mummy every time it aired on TV. She loved Rick's clumsy heroism and Evy's quick wit. When the 2017 reboot came out, she went in with an open mind but left feeling flat, missing that spark. Now, hearing Fraser and Weisz might return, her excitement isn't just about nostalgia; it's about the promise of a film that understands what made the originals special.

Navigating Potential Confusions and Current Status

While the news is exciting, it's important to remember a few things. First, while reports from multiple reputable outlets (Deadline, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter) are strong, Universal Pictures has not yet issued an official comment. The actors are still described as being "in talks," meaning deals need to be finalized. There's always a chance things could change, though the widespread positive reception to this news should only strengthen the push to make it happen.

Secondly, there's another "Mummy" related project out there! Lee Cronin (director of Evil Dead Rise) is directing a separate film, also called The Mummy, produced by New Line Cinema, Blumhouse, and Atomic Monster, set for an April 17, 2026 release. Rumors suggest this film might be retitled The Resurrected to avoid confusion, which would be wise, as it’s entirely separate from Universal’s franchise.

Practical Takeaways for Eager Fans

• Don't get mummified in expectations just yet: While exciting, remember Fraser and Weisz are "in talks." Official confirmation from Universal is the next big step.
• Prepare for a nostalgic ride: The project aims to capture the spirit of the first two films, leaning into the fun, adventure, and chemistry that made them beloved.
• Expect a fresh directorial vision: Radio Silence's background in horror-comedy suggests a dynamic and possibly even cleverer take on the franchise's blend of genres.
• Forget previous reboots: This is a clean slate, continuing the story of Rick and Evelyn O'Connell from where we left them in The Mummy Returns.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Mummy's Potential Return

Q: Is The Mummy 4 officially confirmed? A: As of early November 2025, it is not officially confirmed by Universal Pictures. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly "in talks" to star.

Q: Will this new film connect to the 2017 Tom Cruise Mummy movie? A: No. Reports indicate this project will be a direct sequel to the first two films (1999's The Mummy and 2001's The Mummy Returns), disregarding both the 2008 third film and the 2017 reboot.

Q: Who is set to direct the new Mummy movie? A: The filmmaking duo known as Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett) are reportedly attached to direct. They are known for films like Ready or Not and the recent Scream sequels.

Q: Why are Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz returning now? A: Both actors have experienced career highs recently, with Fraser winning an Oscar for The Whale. Fraser previously stated he'd be open to returning "if someone came up with the right conceit," and it seems Universal has found it.

Sources:

• Entertainment, "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 Hollywood Reporter, "'One Battle After Another' Breakout Teyana Taylor Takes Over," by Borys Kit, November 4, 2025.
• IGN, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Will Return for The Mummy 4," November 4, 2025.
• Variety, "Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz Reuniting for Fourth ‘Mummy’ Movie," by Rebecca Rubin, November 4, 2025.
• The National Desk, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are bringing 'The Mummy' franchise back to life," by Seth Kingsley, November 5, 2025.
• Polygon, "The Dark Universe may be dead, but The Mummy is eternal; as such, the film series is set to return," November 4, 2025.
• SYFY WIRE, "Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Will Return in Fourth Mummy Film from Abigail Directors (REPORT)," by Josh Weiss, Nov 4, 2025.
• Forbes, "How Much Did It Cost Universal To Make ‘The Mummy’?" by Caroline Reid, Nov 05, 2025.
• The Daily Beast, "‘The Mummy’ Stars Reunite for Surprise New Film in Franchise," by Adam Downer, Nov. 4 2025.
• BollywoodShaadis, "What Led To Brendan Fraser's Divorce From Afton Smith? Actor Paid USD 900,000 Annually As Alimony," by Monisha G Kumar, Nov 5, 2025.