Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser are in talks to reunite for a new installment of ‘The Mummy’ franchise, 26 years after the first film hit theaters.
Deadline reported on Tuesday, Nov. 4, that Universal Pictures is developing ‘The Mummy 4,’ with Weisz, who played Egyptologist Evelyn Carnahan, and Fraser, who portrayed adventurer Rick O’Connell, in discussions to return.
The outlet noted that directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett – collectively known as Radio Silence – will be at the helm. The pair is known for their work in the horror hits ‘Ready or Not’ and ‘Scream VI.’
The project is said to be a ‘legacy sequel’ that could pick up after ‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001), disregarding the events of ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ (2008).
‘The Mummy’ franchise began with Stephen Sommers’ 1999 film, a modern reimagining of the 1932 Universal monster classic. The first film grossed over $418 million worldwide.
Its 2001 sequel, ‘The Mummy Returns,’ expanded the franchise’s mythology and earned more than $435 million globally. The third film, ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,’ released in 2008, earned $403 million.
Universal later attempted a reboot in 2017 starring Tom Cruise, which grossed $410 million worldwide but was widely regarded as a ‘commercial and critical disappointment.’
Meanwhile, Weisz was last seen in the 2021 Marvel film ‘Black Widow.’ She is expected to be seen next in the Netflix limited series ‘Vladimir.’
Fraser, on the other hand, recently experienced a major career resurgence after winning the 2023 Academy Award for Best Actor for the psychological drama film ‘The Whale.’