For many of us, the year 1999 wasn’t just the end of a millennium; it was the beginning of an era of adventure. When Rick O’Connell first stepped onto the screen with a double-holster and a smirk, Brendan Fraser didn’t just become a star—he became our generation’s Indiana Jones. Beside him, Rachel Weisz’s Evelyn Carnahan wasn’t just a “damsel”; she was a brilliant, clumsy, and fiercely capable Egyptologist who proved that books (and the people who read them) could save the world.
Now, after twenty years of fan petitions, “Brenaissance” TikToks, and a disastrous 2017 reboot attempt that lacked the original’s heart, the dream is reality. Universal Pictures has officially confirmed that The Mummy 4 is currently in development with a theatrical release date set for May 19, 2028.
But this isn’t just another studio cash-grab. With both Fraser and Weisz having recently secured Academy Awards—Fraser for The Whale and Weisz for The Constant Gardener—the stakes for this reunion are sky-high. This is a chance to reclaim the swashbuckling magic of the original trilogy while correcting the course of a franchise that once lost its way.
Why The Mummy 4 is the Correction Fans Deserve
The path to this announcement has been as winding as a desert tomb. While the first two films are stone-cold classics, 2008’s Tomb of the Dragon Emperor left a bitter taste in many fans’ mouths. The biggest grievance? The absence of Rachel Weisz. While Maria Bello is a talented actor, the chemistry between Fraser and Weisz was the DNA of the series. To see them reunite in The Mummy 4 feels like a cosmic balancing of the scales.
This sequel also finds itself in the hands of Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett). If you’ve seen their work on Ready or Not or the recent Scream films, you know they specialize in “legacy sequels” that respect the source material while injecting a modern, kinetic energy. Tyler Gillett recently described David Coggeshall’s script as “beautiful, sweeping, and scary.”
This balance of horror and humor is exactly what the 2017 Tom Cruise reboot missed. By returning to the O’Connells, Universal is admitting that the “Dark Universe” failed because it forgot the people at the center of the monsters.
Beyond the Sarcophagus: A New Era of Inclusion
As we look toward 2028, there is a vital conversation to be had about how The Mummy 4 approaches its setting. The original films were products of their time, occasionally leaning into tropes that modern audiences—and the world at large—have outgrown.
Ultimately, the world should see themselves in film. For too long, adventure cinema has utilized Egyptian history as a mere backdrop for Western heroes. A 2028 Mummy film has the opportunity to change that. By involving a diverse cast and ensuring that Egyptian characters are more than just guides or villains, the film can offer a more “incisive” look at the culture it portrays.
We want to see an Egypt that feels lived-in and authentic, where the local people are the masters of their own history. If the O’Connells are to return, they should do so as partners to a new generation of diverse archaeologists and adventurers. Imagine a story where Rick and Evie pass the torch to a younger team—perhaps including their son, Alex—that reflects the globalized, diverse audience that has kept this fandom alive for 25 years.
What We Know About the Plot (and the Rumors)
While Universal is keeping specific plot details under wraps—ironically “buried,” if you will—rumors are already swirling. Some industry insiders suggest the story might take the O’Connells back to the “Book of Amun-Ra,” while others hint at a global adventure that connects the Egyptian legends to other myths.
Fraser, who will also serve as an executive producer, has hinted that he’s been waiting for the “right” script for decades. “The one I wanted to make is forthcoming,” he recently teased. This suggests a level of creative control that should put fans at ease. When an actor cares this much about their character’s legacy, the result is usually something special.
The production is also bringing back Sean Daniel, the producer who has been with the franchise since 1999. This blend of original architects and new-school directors (Radio Silence) suggests a film that will feel like “coming home” while still offering plenty of surprises for a 2028 audience.
[Image suggestion: A split-screen of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz in 1999 vs. their recent Oscar wins]
The Countdown to May 2028 Begins
The road to May 19, 2028, is long, but for a fandom that has waited two decades to see Rick and Evie share the screen again, a few more years is nothing. This film represents more than just a sequel; it’s a celebration of two of Hollywood’s most beloved actors returning to the roles that defined them.
As we wait for the first trailer, one thing is certain: the appetite for high-stakes, heart-filled adventure has never been higher. We don’t want “gritty” reboots; we want the O’Connells. We want the humor, the history, and the hope that—even when the world is ending—a library card and a good pair of boots are all you really need.
What’s your take, O’Connell fans? Do you think The Mummy 4 should follow a brand-new curse, or are you hoping for the return of a classic villain like Imhotep? And more importantly, who would you like to see cast as the next generation of adventurers alongside Brendan and Rachel?
Sound off in the comments below—we’re reading every theory!
