Brendan Fraser broke his silence on November 20, 2025, confirming his highly anticipated return to the Mummy franchise for a fourth installment after nearly two decades away from the beloved adventure series. Speaking to the Associated Press while promoting his film Rental Family, the 56-year-old actor revealed that The Mummy 4 represents “the film I envisioned was never produced”—a veiled criticism of 2008’s Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, which he felt was compromised by NBC’s Olympic broadcasting rights. Fraser expressed profound gratitude, declaring: “I’ve been anticipating this call for two decades. At times, it was a loud signal, other times just a faint whisper. But now? It’s the moment to deliver what the fans desire.” Reuniting with co-star Rachel Weisz (who returns as Evelyn Carnahan after a 24-year absence from the franchise), the film will be directed by Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, with Family Plan screenwriter David Coggeshall penning the script. The original Mummy trilogy dominated the 1990s-2000s box office, generating $460 million worldwide ($202M for Returns, $155.5M for the original, and $102.5M for Dragon Emperor), establishing Brendan Fraser as one of Hollywood’s most bankable action stars.
Brendan Fraser’s Statement on The Mummy 4
In his candid interview with the Associated Press (November 20, 2025), Brendan Fraser revealed his complex feelings about the franchise and his excitement for the upcoming installment:
On the Third Film: “That year, NBC had the rights to air the Olympics. They combined the two projects, and we traveled to China. Filming in Shanghai was an extraordinary experience. I take pride in the third installment because I believe it stands well on its own. We adapted and worked with a fresh team, doing our utmost to make it work.”
On The Mummy 4: “However, the film I truly wanted to create is on the horizon. I’ve been anticipating this call for two decades. At times, it was a loud signal, other times just a faint whisper. But now? It’s the moment to deliver what the fans desire.”
On Age Concerns: When asked about performing demanding stunts at 56 years old, Fraser quipped: “That’s what they have stuntmen for.” His pragmatic response dismisses aging concerns while acknowledging practical filmmaking realities.
Broader Context: Fraser’s comments reveal a director who felt artistically compromised by external scheduling pressures (Olympic broadcasting) that forced production to China, while the newly greenlit film represents his uncompromised creative vision for the franchise’s continuation.
Cast and Creative Team
Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett (Radio Silence)
Screenplay: David Coggeshall
Producers: Sean Daniel (franchise veteran), William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein (Project X Entertainment)
Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Project X Entertainment, Radio Silence
Main Cast (Confirmed/Expected):
– Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell
– Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan
Notable Absence: The film will reportedly disregard Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) continuity, meaning Maria Bello’s version of Evelyn will be ignored in favor of restoring Weisz’s character to the narrative.
Development Status: In active development (announced November 2025)
Expected Production Timeline: 2026-2027 (subject to financing and scheduling)
The Mummy Franchise Box Office Dominance
Brendan Fraser-Led Trilogy Box Office:
1. The Mummy Returns (2001):
– Worldwide Gross: $202.02 million
– Domestic (US/Canada): $68.14 million (opening weekend)
– International: $133.88 million
– Production Budget: $80 million
– ROI: 252% | Profit: $122 million
– Status: Second-highest-grossing film in the franchise
2. The Mummy (1999):
– Worldwide Gross: $155.52 million
– Domestic (US/Canada): $43.37 million (opening weekend)
– International: $112.15 million
– Production Budget: $16 million
– ROI: 971% | Profit: $139.5 million
– Status: Breakout hit that launched the franchise and Fraser’s stardom
3. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008):
– Worldwide Gross: $102.49 million
– Domestic (US/Canada): $40.46 million (opening)
– International: $62.03 million
– Production Budget: $145 million
– ROI: 71% | Profit: $-42.5 million (loss)
– Status: Franchise decline, replaced Maria Bello for Rachel Weisz (unavailable due to pregnancy)
Related Franchise Properties:
– The Scorpion King (2002) [Dwayne Johnson spinoff]: $91.05 million worldwide
– The Mummy (2017) [Tom Cruise reboot]: $410 million worldwide (but lost $60-95 million due to $345M budget + marketing)
Original Trilogy Cumulative Earnings:
– Total Worldwide Gross: $460.03 million
– Combined Profit: $219 million
– Franchise Status: One of Universal’s most profitable adventure franchises
Cultural Impact: The original trilogy established Brendan Fraser as the preeminent adventure action star of the late 1990s-2000s, rivaling Tom Cruise and Will Smith in commercial appeal. The films’ success proved that audiences craved rollicking, effects-laden adventure with romance, comedy, and genuine stakes—a formula that influenced subsequent franchises.
Why The Mummy 4 Matters: Fraser’s Redemption Arc
The Mummy 4 represents more than a franchise revival—it constitutes a full circle moment for Brendan Fraser, whose career endured a difficult period following his mid-2010s decline in major film roles. His recent acclaimed performances in The Whale (2022), which earned him Golden Globe recognition, and Killers of the Flower Moon (2023) signaled his artistic comeback. Now, returning to the franchise that initially launched his stardom creates a narrative of professional redemption and acknowledgment that audiences still crave his particular brand of charismatic action heroism.
Rachel Weisz’s 24-year absence from the franchise adds poignancy—her return as Evelyn Carnahan (after sitting out Dragon Emperor) emphasizes the filmmakers’ commitment to canon continuity and character authenticity rather than simply recasting for convenience. The age factor—Fraser at 56, Weisz at 55—presents an interesting opportunity: an adventure film exploring how these characters have evolved over decades, potentially incorporating themes of aging, legacy, and second chances alongside traditional action-adventure spectacle.
