After more than two decades apart on screen, Rachel Weisz and Brendan Fraser are reuniting for The Mummy 4, bringing one of the most recognisable adventure franchises of the late 1990s and early 2000s back to life. The first behind-the-scenes photographs from the film’s production have offered fans a glimpse of the actors reprising their iconic roles as Evelyn and Rick O’Connell, sparking excitement around the long-awaited sequel.
The fourth instalment sees Fraser return as Rick O’Connell, the fearless adventurer, alongside Weisz as Evelyn, the Egyptologist whose intelligence and courage helped define the original films. Weisz’s return is particularly significant, as she last appeared in the franchise in 2001’s The Mummy Returns, before being replaced by Maria Bello in 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
A Nostalgic Return to the World of Rick and Evelyn
Released in 1999, The Mummy became a defining action-adventure film of its era, combining ancient mythology, supernatural threats, humour and high-energy sequences. Fraser’s charismatic performance as Rick O’Connell and Weisz’s portrayal of Evelyn Carnahan helped give the film its distinctive appeal, with their on-screen chemistry becoming a memorable part of the franchise.
The pair reunited in the 2001 sequel, The Mummy Returns, which expanded the story of the O’Connell family and further established the series as a major adventure property. Their absence from the third film left a notable gap for audiences who had connected with the original pairing.
Now, their return offers the opportunity to revisit those characters while introducing them to a new generation of viewers. The reunion also taps into the continued interest in legacy sequels, which bring back familiar performers and stories while opening the door to new adventures.
What We Know About The Mummy 4
The upcoming film is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo known as Radio Silence, whose credits include Ready or Not and entries in the Scream franchise. David Coggeshall is writing the screenplay, while further details about the plot remain under wraps.
Several familiar faces are also expected to return, including John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan, Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay and Kevin J. O’Connor as Beni Gabor. The returning cast brings together key figures from the earlier films, while newcomers Michael Johnston and Numan Acar are set to join the adventure.
Recent set photographs show Fraser filming in Suffolk, England, including scenes involving a vintage rocket-style car, while Weisz has been photographed in costume near the British Museum in London. The period-inspired outfits have prompted speculation about the film’s setting, although the production has not officially confirmed the story’s timeline.
The Enduring Appeal of The Mummy
Part of the franchise’s lasting appeal lies in its blend of adventure, comedy, romance and supernatural mystery. The original films offered a combination of elaborate set pieces and character-driven storytelling, with Rick and Evelyn’s relationship providing an emotional centre amid the action.
Fraser’s return also follows a renewed wave of audience interest in his work, while Weisz’s involvement restores the central partnership that helped shape the first two films. Their reunion brings a strong sense of continuity to the new instalment without revealing how the story will develop.
With The Mummy 4 scheduled to arrive in cinemas on 15 October 2027, fans still have time to revisit the earlier films before the O’Connells return to the big screen. For longtime viewers, the sequel represents a reunion with familiar characters; for newcomers, it offers an entry point into a franchise that helped define a generation of cinematic adventure.
