Nearly two decades after they last shared the screen, adventure icon Rick O’Connell and his brilliant partner Evie are officially dusting off their gear. Universal Pictures has confirmed that production on the highly anticipated The Mummy 4 will kick off this August, setting the stage for a theatrical release on May 19, 2028. The project marks the long-awaited reunion of Oscar winners Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, who are set to reprise the roles that defined turn-of-the-century action cinema.
The revival of the franchise moves into high gear with pre-production slated to begin as early as May. Steering this massive undertaking are Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo known as Radio Silence, who have proven their mettle with modern horror hits like Scream and Abigail. With a screenplay penned by David Coggeshall (The Family Plan), the team is currently finalizing the technical requirements to bring the O’Connells back to life on a global scale.
Perhaps the most surprising detail emerging from the production is the creative direction regarding the franchise’s timeline. Unlike traditional sequels that acknowledge every previous entry, The Mummy 4 is reportedly ignoring the events of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008).
This strategic decision allows the new film to serve as a direct continuation of the 2001 blockbuster The Mummy Returns, effectively erasing the third film from the main continuity. For fans who felt the 2008 installment, which saw Weisz replaced by Maria Bello, strayed too far from the original chemistry, this move signals a return to the franchise’s roots. It clears the narrative path to recapture the specific tone of adventure, horror, and romantic chemistry that made the first two films iconic.
The confirmation of the leads has been the driving force behind the massive fan anticipation. Brendan Fraser, who recently enjoyed a career renaissance capped by an Academy Award, will return as the rugged former soldier turned treasure hunter. Alongside him, Rachel Weisz will once again portray Evelyn Carnahan-O’Connell, the brilliant Egyptologist who was the heart of the original adventures.
Behind the camera, the production team is stacked with franchise veterans. Sean Daniel, who produced the original trilogy, returns to shepherd the project, ensuring a continuity of vision. Fraser is also attached as an executive producer, giving him direct input into the character’s return. The studio has reportedly closed all major deals, allowing the production to move forward without the delays that plagued earlier development stages .
While specific plot details remain tightly guarded, locked away like a cursed artifact, the directive to ignore the third film gives the directors significant freedom. Director Tyler Gillett has indicated that the team is currently deep in preparation, focusing on the technical and logistical demands of what promises to be a globe-trotting spectacle.
For a franchise that began in 1999 with a modest $80 million budget and grossed over $400 million worldwide, the return of the original stars represents a full-circle moment . As production ramps up this summer, anticipation is already building for what will be one of the most significant nostalgia-driven events of the decade. The Mummy 4 is not just a sequel; it is a reclamation of a beloved legacy, set to hit theaters on May 19, 2028.
