Universal Pictures has officially confirmed that Oscar winners Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz will reunite for a new installment of The Mummy franchise. The announcement, made late Tuesday, sets a theatrical release date of May 19, 2028, for the highly anticipated sequel. This move marks a significant shift in Universal’s strategy, leaning back into the legacy of its most successful adventure properties following years of experimentation with its monster-movie catalog.
The project reunites the core duo of Rick O'Connell and Evelyn Carnahan-O'Connell for the first time on screen since 2001's The Mummy Returns. While the franchise continued in 2008 with The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, Weisz was notably absent from that production, with the role of Evelyn being recast. The news of their joint return has sparked considerable interest across the film industry and among a dedicated global fanbase that has long championed a revival of the original series.
A Legacy Sequel Years in the Making
The decision to return to the O'Connell storyline follows a period of significant career resurgence for Brendan Fraser. After winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 2023 for his performance in The Whale, Fraser’s public profile and "bankability" reached a new peak. Industry analysts suggest that Universal had been monitoring the "Brenaissance"—the cultural revival of Fraser's career—as a primary indicator for the project's viability.
Universal Pictures had previously attempted to reboot the franchise in 2017 with a darker, more horror-centric version starring Tom Cruise. That film was intended to launch a shared "Dark Universe" of interconnected monster movies. However, following a lukewarm critical and commercial reception, the studio pivoted away from the shared-universe model in favor of filmmaker-driven, standalone projects. The return to the 1999-era continuity signals a desire to recapture the specific blend of action, humor, and practical-leaning special effects that defined the early films.
Strategic Timing and Production Details
While plot details remain strictly under wraps, Universal confirmed that the film has secured a prime summer release window. The May 2028 date positions the film as a tentpole release for the studio's centennial-decade celebrations. Sources close to the production indicate that the studio is looking to balance nostalgic elements with a modern cinematic approach, potentially introducing a new generation of adventurers alongside the veteran leads.
The industry's reaction to the news has been largely positive. High-profile sequels featuring original casts, often referred to as "legacy sequels," have seen significant success in recent years. Universal’s choice to bring back both Fraser and Weisz is viewed as a "corrective" measure for the franchise, ensuring the chemistry that initially drove the films to over $1 billion in collective box office revenue remains intact.
The Evolution of the Adventure Genre
The return of The Mummy comes at a time when the traditional action-adventure genre is seeing a transformation. With the recent conclusion of the Indiana Jones series and the fluctuating performance of superhero cinema, there is a perceived opening for globe-trotting adventures that emphasize historical myth and ensemble chemistry.
Experts suggest that the 2028 film will likely utilize the latest in volume-stage technology and digital effects, yet the studio has emphasized a commitment to the "swashbuckling spirit" of the Sommers-era films. Production is rumored to begin in early 2027, with location scouting reportedly underway in Northern Africa and European studio hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing the new 'The Mummy' film? As of February 2026, Universal has not officially named a director, though several high-profile names known for action-comedy have been linked to the project in trade reports.
Will other original cast members return? There is no official confirmation regarding the return of John Hannah or Oded Fehr, though fan interest in their characters remains high.
Is this part of the Tom Cruise 'Dark Universe'? No. This installment is a direct continuation or legacy sequel to the original trilogy (1999–2008) and is unrelated to the 2017 reboot.
