It’s time again to wake up ‘The Mummy’ because Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly set to reunite for the next big instalment in the hit franchise. The stars, who won hearts for their roles in ‘The Mummy’ and ‘The Mummy Returns’, are officially set to return for a new film, thus marking their first return to the series together in more than 25 years.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to reunite
Universal confirmed that the upcoming ‘Mummy’ film is slated for a Summer 2028 release. According to Deadline, fans will have to wait until May 19, 2028, for the film’s release. Interestingly, not only is the date reserved for a major event titles, but no other Hollywood theatrical releases are currently scheduled for that weekend.This confirmation comes months after reports first indicated that Fraser and Weisz were in talks to star in the project. The film will be directed by Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, with a screenplay penned by David Coggeshall. Plot details are currently under wraps.
Rachel Weisz’s role in ‘The Mummy’
In the blockbuster films, Weisz starred as the character Evelyn Carnahan in the first two films ‘The Mummy’ (1999) and ‘The Mummy Returns’ (2001). She however, did not return in the 2008 film ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’, which saw Maria Bello in the lead role as “Evie”. At the time, Weisz reportedly opted out of the film due to dissatisfaction with the script and, an alleged reluctance to play a character with an adult son.
Brendan Fraser on ‘The Mummy’ franchise
Fraser, on the other hand, played the role of adventurer Rick O’Connell across all three films, that have grossed approximately $1.8 billion worldwide. Last year, in a chat with the Associated Press, the actor got candid about ‘The Mummy 4’. “The one I wanted to make was never made,” Fraser said as he went on to reveal that the third film was made only because the Olympics that year was set to be held in China. “NBC had the rights to broadcast the Olympics that year. So they put two together and we went to China.”“I’m proud of the third one because I think it’s a good standalone movie. We picked up and did what we do with a different crew on deck and gave it our best shot. But the one I wanted to make is forthcoming. And I’ve been waiting 20 years for this call. Sometimes it was loud, sometimes it was a faint telegraph. Now? It’s time to give the fans what they want,” Fraser said.
Tom Cruise’s failed ‘Mummy’ reboot
In 2017, the makers tried to reboot the franchise, with Tom Cruise stepping up as the lead. However, the film was regarded as a box office disappointment, despite grossing over $400 million globally.
