[UPDATE: The film’s U.S. release date has been moved up to October 15, 2027. Original article below.]
Another Mummy film with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz has been rumoured about and demanded for years now. Well, we can finally stop treating it like a wish-list item, because Universal has locked in a U.S. release date for the next instalment — and yes, the original duo are coming back.
Universal is planning to release the still-untitled fourth film in the franchise in U.S. cinemas on May 19, 2028. The studio had been holding that slot for an “event” title. At this stage, no other wide releases are scheduled for that date, leaving the corridor clear for what Universal is positioning as a major theatrical event.
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The plot for the new chapter is being kept firmly under wraps. What we do know is that the project reunites Fraser and Weisz for the first time in the series since 2001’s The Mummy Returns. Fraser led the original 1999 The Mummy and returned for The Mummy Returns and 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, while Weisz starred in the first two films.
Radio Silence Takes the Helm
The film will be directed by Radio Silence, the filmmaking team of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for Ready or Not, 2024’s Abigail, and the recent Scream films. The screenplay is by David Coggeshall (Orphan: First Kill, The Family Plan).
In an interview with Empire, Gillett explained the mindset behind stepping into another legacy franchise: “Having stepped into Scream, our radar for jumping into another franchise is that it has to feel special. And [David Coggeshall’s] script really does that. It is very beautiful and sweeping and scary and fun.”
Producers Returning, Big Franchise History
Producer Sean Daniel is returning after producing the first three Mummy films, as well as the 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise. William Sherak, James Vanderbilt and Paul Neinstein are also producing via Project X Entertainment, while Fraser, Hivemind’s Jason F. Brown and Denis Stewart will serve as executive producers.
Universal EVP Production Development Jay Polidoro and Director of Production Development Jacqueline Garell are overseeing the project for the studio.
Across its previous entries, The Mummy franchise has grossed $1.8 billion worldwide. While the 2017 reboot attempt failed to ignite Universal’s broader Dark Universe ambitions, this new chapter signals a return to the swashbuckling, character-driven version of the series that audiences have remained nostalgic for.
Fraser Previously Teased ‘Anything’s Possible’
Before the project was formally dated, Fraser was asked about the possibility of returning to The Mummy and told Deadline: “Hey, anything’s possible at this point. It is speculation, and I would love to tell you…I would love to answer more about that. But my lips are kind of sealed.
“I am sorry, but I want you to know that there is a definite fan base.”
He also reflected on the enduring enthusiasm for the franchise after meeting fans at a convention event: “We were there to sign autographs, meet fans, but we did have a [question-and-answer session] on stage in front of 3,000 attendees and I thought we were rockstars too, so much so like I walked off stage thinking, ‘Man I am gonna get a personality hangover out of those.’ That was a lot of love.”
With May 19, 2028 now circled on the U.S. release calendar, the long-rumoured reunion is no longer speculation. It’s happening.
