Brendan Fraser has officially confirmed that production for the highly anticipated The Mummy 4 is set to begin on Monday, September 7, 2026. The announcement marks the definitive return of the franchise’s original lead after years of fan speculation and industry rumors regarding a potential revival of the adventure series.
Fraser shared the filming update during an interview at the Deauville American Film Festival on September 6, 2026. Beyond the immediate start of principal photography, Universal Pictures has scheduled the film for theatrical release on October 15, 2027.
The O’Connell Family Reunion
A significant draw for the upcoming sequel is the confirmed return of the core ensemble that defined the first two entries of the franchise. Rachel Weisz and John Hannah are set to reprise their roles as Evelyn O’Connell and Jonathan Carnahan, respectively. Weisz’s involvement is particularly notable for fans, as her character was portrayed by Maria Bello in the 2008 installment.
The sequel also aims to bring back familiar faces beyond the immediate O’Connell family. Reports indicate that Oded Fehr will return as the Medjai warrior Ardeth Bay. Additionally, Kevin J. O’Connor is reported to be returning as the character Beni Gabor, a development that has piqued interest given the character’s apparent demise in the 1999 original film. While the narrative mechanics of these returns remain under wraps, the casting suggests a heavy focus on the legacy of the original production.
Production and Creative Direction
Directorial duties for The Mummy 4 have been handed to the filmmaking duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence. The pair, recognized for their work on Ready or Not and recent Scream installments, will direct from a script penned by David Coggeshall. Brendan Fraser is also taking an active role behind the scenes, serving as an executive producer on the project.
The involvement of Radio Silence suggests a potential shift toward the blend of horror and action that characterized the 1999 film. As filming commences this week, the production marks a major milestone in Fraser’s career resurgence, often referred to by fans as the “Brenaissance,” by returning to the blockbuster role that originally propelled him to international stardom.
