Here’s a moment that had my inner-child doing cartwheels in the sand. It all started with rumours (and credible ones at that) are swirling that Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, yes, Rick and Evelyn of the original 1999 adventure-spectacle, are in talks to reunite for a brand-new chapter in the Mummy franchise as per Deadline.
Will the setup lead back to Hamunaptra? (Maybe). It seems Universal Pictures is prepping a new Mummy film that brings Fraser and Weisz back into the archeological-adventure fold. This project reportedly taps the directing duo Matt Bettinelli‑Olpin & Tyler Gillett (of horror-thriller fame via Ready or Not and the recent Scream installments) to helm the ride. What’s especially interesting is the indication that this won’t lean full-tilt into horror, but rather recapture the tone of the 1999 film, of Indiana Jones-meets-ancient-curse blockbuster that balanced thrills, humour and spectacle.
Fraser last traversed the Mummy realm in 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor and Weisz stepped away after 2001’s sequel. Their pairing became iconic, and audiences still remember Rick & Evelyn’s chemistry. And to this, Bettinelli-Olpin & Gillett bring a modern edge and proven chops with genre-blending. If the film fuses blockbuster adventure with stylistic flair, this could beat the last reboot. The 2017 Mummy film reboot (starring Tom Cruise) failed to spark the franchise fire again. This new approach, with combining original stars + restored tone + capable creators, just may give the franchise its rightful revival. Fraser’s Oscar win for The Whale and Weisz’s continuing acclaim mean this isn’t just a nostalgic cash-grab, there’s real talent invested.
What we currently don’t know is if we are looking at a direct sequel, a soft reboot or a “requel” (part sequel/part reboot)? Some reports hint it might ignore elements from the 2008 film and pick up post-2001. Plot, setting, release date, all remain under wraps. How much of the original supporting cast or mythology will return is totally unclear. And will it lean more into horror, adventure or strike the same fun tone that made the original beloved? That creative decision will make—or break—the reboot.
I’m genuinely excited for this because, the original The Mummy hit something rare. It was unabashedly fun, pulpy and thrilling. And yet it had heart. It was a ride. Re-uniting Fraser & Weisz brings emotional continuity, while new directors bring possibility for evolution. If done right, this could become one of those rare franchise returns where the past isn’t simply mined for nostalgia but is creatively built upon.
With all that being said, my hopes for the movies is to have a crisp script. One that honours Rick & Evelyn’s chemistry and doesn’t lean too heavy into dread or self-parody. And of course there must be a return to exotic locales, practical stunts, and monsters that feel mythic instead of CGI-only. The villain (or monster) must be worthy of the O’Connell legacy. No half-baked “curse with a twist” unless it’s clever. Above all it must have a story that respects the past (1999 & 2001) without being shackled by every continuity knot. And lastly a tone that says “we’re here for the wide-eyed adventure” rather than “we’re reinventing everything.”
If this project happens as indicated, it’s a thrilling moment for fans of the 90s-2000s adventure-crowd. It will definitely be more than a reunion. It will be an opportunity for the franchise to soar again, with the right ingredients. And for those of us who grew up watching Rick grin, gun in hand, and Evelyn book-in-hand about to crack ancient codes, well, buckle up. The sands of time may just shift beneath our feet once more.
