Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Return in Universal's 'The Mummy' Set for May 2028

Universal Pictures has formally declared that the next installment of 'The Mummy' franchise will open in theaters on 19th May, 2028, following years of conjecture and fan excitement. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz will reprise their iconic roles in the film, which promises to carry on the otherworldly thrills and adventure that made the first two films so renowned. Directed by the acclaimed horror duo Radio Silence, this legacy sequel embraces the spirit of the 1999 classic while introducing a new generation of audiences to ancient curses, epic action, and the humour that has defined the franchise for decades.

Legendary Franchise, Historic Success, and Nostalgic Legacy

'The Mummy' became a landmark action-adventure horror mix for Universal Pictures when it debuted in theaters in 1999. The Stephen Sommers-directed movie, which starred Brendan Fraser as treasure hunter Rick O'Connell and Rachel Weisz as Egyptologist Evelyn "Evy" Carnahan, brought back Universal's iconic monster legend with a contemporary edge and made over $422 million worldwide.

Image Courtesy: The Wrap

'The Mummy Returns,' the franchise's 2001 follow-up, maintained this momentum by making over $435 million worldwide, introducing iconic characters like The Rock's Scorpion King, and solidifying the franchise's cult status.

Despite receiving average reviews, the 2008 film 'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,' which starred Fraser again but lacked Weisz, made over $400 million. Over the decades, 'The Mummy' films became beloved for their blend of humour, heart, supernatural thrills, and swashbuckling action—inspiring video games, merchandise, and enduring fan enthusiasm. This legacy also includes missteps and ambition alike.

Tom Cruise starred in a widely reported 2017 revival that was supposed to launch Universal's "Dark Universe," but it didn't do well in the box office or with critics, so the studio had to reconsider its strategy. 

Image Courtesy: MUBI

However, latest announcement embraces the original timeline, treating the new movie as a true successor to the classic first chapters rather than a distant reboot. Following months of talks, Universal has finally signed deals with Fraser and Weisz, bringing the legendary pair back as the main characters. Fans hailed the reunion, expecting for the same enchantment that made the first two films so special.

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What New Audiences Can Expect from the 2028 Mummy?

The upcoming, 'The Mummy' film has been formally dated by Universal Pictures for 19th May, 2028, setting it up for a significant summer release. While plot specifics remain tightly under wraps, the new film marks a legacy sequel—a continuation of the original story world, disregarding the 2008 third film in favour of unity with the beloved first two films. The dynamic that made the series a box office mainstay will be revived when Brendan Fraser plays the gregarious explorer Rick O’Connell and Rachel Weisz plays Evy again.

Image Courtesy: The Hollywood Reporter

The project will be directed by Radio Silence, a team of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who are renowned for reviving horror classics like the current 'Scream' movies and 'Ready or Not.' The screenplay comes from David Coggeshall (The Family Plan, Orphan: First Kill), while franchise veteran Sean Daniel and other producers like William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein are expected to rejoin the project, ensuring continuity with the original films’ spirit.

The usual blend of thrills, ancient curses, world-spanning threat, and lighthearted banter, all wrapped in cinematic spectacle, is what fans can anticipate. Longtime fans can rejoice over Rick and Evy's epic voyage returning to the big screen, while new viewers who are not familiar with the franchise's past will soon learn why 'The Mummy' made a lasting impression on the adventure genre. 

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