In an exciting development for fans of the iconic film franchise, Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are set to reunite for a new installment of the beloved “Mummy” series. This upcoming fourth chapter will be directed by the talented duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence. These filmmakers have garnered attention for their work on the 2019 hit “Ready or Not” and their successful revival of the “Scream” franchise for Paramount in 2022.
Universal Pictures, the studio behind the original monster movies, has yet to comment on this thrilling reunion. Fraser’s journey in the franchise began with the 1999 reboot of “The Mummy,” which not only starred Weisz but also became a significant box office success. The film's engaging storyline, which revolves around a treasure hunter inadvertently awakening a cursed Egyptian priest endowed with supernatural powers, helped to solidify Fraser as a leading action star. He reprised his role for two sequels: 2001’s “The Mummy Returns” and 2008’s “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” although Weisz only returned for the first sequel.
In 2017, Universal attempted to reboot “The Mummy” with Tom Cruise as the lead, but the effort was met with disappointment. The film underperformed at the box office and failed to launch the studio’s ambitious “Dark Universe,” which aimed to create a series of interconnected films featuring Universal’s classic monsters.
After taking a hiatus from Hollywood due to personal challenges, including health issues and an assault allegation against a former HFPA president, Brendan Fraser made a remarkable return to the spotlight with his acclaimed performance in 2022’s “The Whale.” His portrayal earned him the Oscar for Best Actor, reaffirming his status as a talented performer.
During promotional interviews for “The Whale,” Fraser expressed his willingness to revisit his most famous role as adventurer Rick O’Connell in another “Mummy” sequel. He remarked in an interview with Variety, “I don’t know how it would work. But I’d be open to it, if someone came up with the right conceit.”
Fraser also shared his thoughts on why the 2017 adaptation starring Cruise did not resonate with audiences. He stated, “It is hard to make that movie. The ingredient that we had going for our ‘Mummy,’ which I didn’t see in the new one, was fun.” He emphasized that the original film was meant to be an exhilarating ride rather than a straight horror film, noting, “The Mummy should be a thrill ride, but not terrifying and scary.”
As fans eagerly await more details about this new chapter in the “Mummy” saga, the reunion of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz promises to bring nostalgia and excitement back to the franchise. With the creative vision of Radio Silence at the helm, this fourth installment could once again capture the magic that made the original films so beloved.
