Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in discussions to return to the beloved Mummy franchise, reigniting excitement among fans of the original films. According to sources including Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter, the two stars are considering reprising their iconic roles as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell for a new installment from Universal Pictures.
The project is expected to be directed by the filmmaking duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for their work on the recent Scream reboots and the horror film Ready or Not. While specific plot details and a release date have yet to be disclosed, the anticipation surrounding this reunion has ignited nostalgia for the original films, which captured audiences in 1999 and 2001.
Fraser and Weisz first brought their characters to life in “The Mummy,” directed by Stephen Sommers in 1999, followed by “The Mummy Returns” in 2001, which marked Dwayne Johnson’s acting debut. Although Fraser reprised his role in the 2008 sequel, “Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,” Weisz’s character was portrayed by Maria Bello.
In contrast, Tom Cruise led a reboot of “The Mummy” in 2017, which struggled to resonate at the box office, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Fraser and Weisz’s films. Fraser, who received critical acclaim and his first Oscar for “The Whale” in 2023, previously expressed that Cruise’s interpretation leaned too heavily into straight horror, diverging from the thrill-ride essence that fans loved.
Weisz also reflected on the unexpected longevity of “The Mummy” franchise, noting that during filming, the cast had no inkling of the film’s future popularity. She remarked on the unique charm of the original, which she believes remains a key factor in its continued adoration.
Fans now hold their breath in anticipation for this potential reunion, hopeful that Fraser and Weisz can once again capture the magic that made the original Mummy films a treasured part of cinematic history.