Michael Johnston has officially addressed the long-standing fan theory regarding his role in The Mummy 4, confirming that he will not be playing Alex O’Connell. In an October 8, 2026, interview with Attitude Magazine, Johnston clarified that his character is an entirely new addition to the franchise rather than a recasting of Rick and Evelyn’s son.
The speculation began shortly after Johnston joined the ensemble, which features returning leads Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. While many assumed Johnston would take over the role of Alex—previously played by Freddie Boath in 2001 and Luke Ford in 2008—the actor noted that the production is moving in a different direction. Johnston, who recently gained recognition for his work in Obsession, described the upcoming sequel as a return to the “original formula” of the 1999 film, teasing a narrative filled with classic fight scenes and chase sequences.
The Return to Continuity
The Mummy 4 is positioning itself as a direct successor to the early films, reuniting Fraser and Weisz as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell for the first time in over two decades. The project is being helmed by the directing duo known as Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett), who have reportedly chosen to follow the continuity established in The Mummy Returns.
The ensemble cast further reinforces this connection to the original films. Beyond the O’Connell family, the production has confirmed the return of John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan and Oded Fehr as the Medjai warrior Ardeth Bay. Perhaps most notably, Kevin J. O’Connor is set to reprise his role as the treacherous Beni Gabor, despite the character’s apparent demise in the 1999 original.
Production Timeline and Release
Filming for the sequel officially commenced on Monday, September 7, 2026. Brendan Fraser announced the start of production during an appearance at the Deauville American Film Festival, confirming that the crew is filming on location in London and Morocco. This marks a significant milestone for a project that spent years in development before finally moving into active photography this autumn.
While early projections had suggested a later launch, the release schedule has been moved forward. The Mummy 4 is currently scheduled for a wide theatrical release on October 15, 2027. The shift suggests a high level of confidence from the studio as they aim for a mid-October window to capture the fall audience.
