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Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Return for New "The Mummy" Film

2/11/2026, 3:38:24 AM

Upcoming Film Details

Universal Pictures has officially announced that Academy Award winners Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz will reprise their iconic roles as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell in a new installment of "The Mummy" franchise. The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on May 19, 2028. This marks a significant return for both actors, who starred in the original films released between 1999 and 2008, with Weisz not appearing in the third installment, "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor."

The upcoming film will be directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence, with a screenplay written by David Coggeshall. Sean Daniel, who produced the original films, will return as a producer alongside William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein from Project X Entertainment. Fraser and Weisz will also serve as executive producers, with oversight from Universal's executive vice president of production development, Jay Polidoro, and director of production development, Jacqueline Garell.

Background of the Franchise

"The Mummy," released in 1999, was a reboot of the 1932 classic and combined action, adventure, and horror elements, grossing over $422.5 million worldwide. The film's success led to the creation of two sequels and a spinoff, "The Scorpion King," which helped establish Fraser as a leading man in Hollywood. The franchise has grossed approximately $1.8 billion globally, demonstrating its lasting appeal and influence on Universal's monster movie legacy.

Production Insights

While specific plot details for the new film remain undisclosed, reports indicate that it will not be a reboot but rather a direct sequel to "The Mummy Returns," effectively ignoring the events of the third film. This decision has been met with enthusiasm from fans, particularly given the original cast's return. The production team is also noted for their previous collaborations on successful projects, including the "Scream" franchise and the vampire film "Abigail."

Criticism & Opposition

Despite the excitement surrounding the film, some fans have expressed skepticism regarding the decision to bypass the third installment. The replacement of Weisz with Maria Bello in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" was met with criticism, and many hope that the new film will honor the original characters and storylines.

What's Next

As the release date approaches, further details about the film's plot and additional cast members are anticipated. The return of Fraser and Weisz has generated significant buzz, and fans are eager to see how the beloved characters will be reintroduced to modern audiences.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “Brendan Fraser & Oded Fehr in THE MUMMY (Credit: Universal Pictures) It’s official: The Mummy is rising from the dead once again.” — Fangoria
  • “Plot details are being kept under wraps.” — Hollywood Reporter

The new installment of "The Mummy" promises to rekindle the franchise's legacy while bringing back two of its most beloved stars.