The Mummy Returns With Original Stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz

Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Return to The Mummy Franchise

After decades of speculation and multiple failed reboots, Universal Pictures is finally doing what fans have wanted all along — Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are returning for a brand-new The Mummy movie.

The two Oscar-winning stars of the 1999 blockbuster The Mummy and its sequel The Mummy Returns are reportedly in talks to reprise their roles in a new installment of the iconic adventure-horror franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The film will be directed by Radio Silence, the filmmaking duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for Scream (2022) and Ready or Not. The screenplay will be written by David Coggeshall.

A True Sequel to the 1999 Classics

The upcoming film will continue the story of the original two movies while ignoring later sequels — including 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, in which Fraser appeared without Weisz.

Weisz departed the franchise after 2001’s The Mummy Returns, but both she and Fraser have since gone on to win Academy Awards — Fraser for The Whale (2023) and Weisz for The Constant Gardener (2005). Their return marks a nostalgic full-circle moment for fans of the original adventures.

Universal’s 1999 reboot of The Mummy was a massive hit, grossing over $415 million worldwide and launching a wave of modernized monster films. Its sequel performed similarly well, cementing Fraser and Weisz as one of cinema’s most beloved action-adventure duos.

What We Know So Far

Although official plot details are under wraps, sources suggest the new film will revive the tone and mythology of the 1999 original — blending archaeology, supernatural horror, and humor.

It’s not yet known if any other characters, such as Jonathan Carnahan (played by John Hannah) or Ardeth Bay (Oded Fehr), will return. The film may also connect loosely with Universal’s larger Monsters Universe, but nothing has been confirmed.

Filmmaker Lee Cronin (Evil Dead Rise) had also been developing a separate Mummy project, rumored to be titled The Resurrected. However, with Fraser and Weisz now attached, that version may have been reworked or shelved entirely.

A Return to What Fans Want

Universal’s previous attempt to revive The Mummy in 2017 — starring Tom Cruise — failed both critically and commercially, halting the studio’s “Dark Universe” plans.

That version’s underwhelming reception made it clear: fans weren’t asking for a new Mummy, they were asking for the old one. The chemistry between Fraser’s swashbuckling hero Rick O’Connell and Weisz’s sharp, witty librarian Evelyn remains a cornerstone of modern adventure cinema.

This new project appears to understand that appeal. If done right, it could reignite the spirit of 1990s adventure films — the kind of fun, pulpy escapism audiences have missed.

Why This Revival Matters

Bringing back Fraser and Weisz isn’t just fan service; it’s also a symbol of how Hollywood is embracing nostalgia done right. With both actors in renewed demand, their reunion could offer a powerful blend of heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure.

If Universal leans into the human charm that made the original Mummy so beloved — rather than CGI-heavy spectacle — this could be one of the most anticipated comebacks in years.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is directing the new Mummy movie?
The film is being directed by Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett), known for Ready or Not and the recent Scream films.

2. Will this movie continue from the 1999 storyline?
Yes. It will continue Fraser and Weisz’s story from The Mummy Returns, while ignoring later sequels.

3. When will it be released?
No official release date has been confirmed yet, but production is expected to begin in 2025.

4. Is this connected to the 2017 Tom Cruise version?
No. The 2017 reboot is not part of this continuity.