The Mummy franchise is making a significant comeback nearly two decades following the conclusion of the Brendan Fraser-led series, with a fourth installment currently in the works. However, it appears that this new film will not continue the storyline from the 2008 release, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. In a recent interview, the directors of The Mummy 4 suggested that the third film is no longer considered canon within the franchise.
The original Mummy film, released in 1999 and starring Fraser alongside Rachel Weisz, is cherished for its blend of action, adventure, and horror. Its success led to a sequel, The Mummy Returns, in 2001. However, when it came time for the third film, Weisz opted not to reprise her role as Evelyn O’Connell, which led to Maria Bello stepping in for the character. This installment, which shifted the story from Egypt to China, faced criticism and was generally regarded as the weakest of the trilogy, grossing $405.8 million—significantly lower than its predecessors.
Both Fraser and Weisz are confirmed to return for the upcoming Mummy film, set for release on May 19, 2028. The choice to bring back Weisz after her absence, along with the relatively poor reception of Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, appears to have influenced the direction of the new movie. When asked directly about the canonicity of the previous film, co-director Matt Bettinelli-Olpin stated, “Well, Rachel is in this one,” while fellow director Tyler Gillett suggested that this answer implies a disregard for the third film’s events.
The enthusiastic comments from both directors about the script, written by Dave Coggeshall, suggest that Fraser and Weisz were motivated by a strong storyline. Gillett expressed his belief that the returning stars found the script compelling, reinforcing the upbeat sentiment regarding the project.
Brendan Fraser has previously spoken about his feelings toward Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, indicating that it didn’t align with his vision for the franchise. He acknowledged the unique experience of filming in China but made it clear that the film he always wanted to make didn’t come to fruition until now, stating, “It’s time to give the fans what they want.”
With a promising return to form for the beloved franchise, fans can look forward to The Mummy 4, which aims to reignite the excitement and adventure that made the original films such a hit.