AceShowbiz - The The Mummy 4 is officially set to revive the beloved action-adventure series with the return of original stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, marking a significant shift in the franchise nearly two decades after its last installment. The original films, The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, remain fan favorites, having grossed $418 million and $435 million globally, respectively, which underscores their lasting appeal.

Scheduled for release in 2028, this upcoming sequel currently lacks an official title but is commonly referred to as "The Mummy 4" by fans, as it follows the continuity of the first two films. Notably, the 2008 film The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is being retconned out of the franchise’s official storyline. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett confirmed this decision in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, emphasizing that the presence of Rachel Weisz in the new film effectively excludes the 2008 movie from the canon.

“Well, Rachel is in this one,” Bettinelli-Olpin said, with Gillett adding, “That should answer the question for you,” making it clear that the new film is intended as a direct sequel to the original two movies and not a continuation of the 2008 installment.

The announcement of The Mummy 4 as a legacy sequel builds on the cherished status of the original movies and their characters. The 2008 sequel had been divisive, partly because it lacked Weisz, who did not return due to script concerns and personal reasons, including having recently given birth. Maria Bello replaced her in that film, but the new project’s confirmation of Weisz’s involvement signals a return to the roots that made the franchise so popular.

Bettinelli-Olpin commented on the significance of the original actors returning, stating, “I don't think Brendan and Rachel are getting involved unless they love that script, and what they read, I think they really liked.” He added, “And it's a good script. It's gonna be fun to make.” This suggests that the new film will honor the legacy of the original while introducing fresh elements to the story.

By removing The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor from the official storyline, the franchise avoids the constraints of a film that was critically panned, holding just a 15% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. This decision opens creative space for the new film to explore new narrative directions without being tethered to a poorly received sequel. However, there remains a cautionary note about the potential risk of The Mummy 4 mirroring the previous sequel’s storyline too closely, especially as the 2008 film ended with Rick O’Connell, played by Fraser, retired from adventuring, and his wife Evie, portrayed by Weisz, working as a writer of pulp adventures, with their son Alex aspiring to follow his father’s footsteps as an archaeologist.

So far, the status of Alex O’Connell, the son of Rick and Evie who first appeared in The Mummy Returns and was later played by Luke Ford in the 2008 film, has not been confirmed for the upcoming release. Fans remain hopeful that the character will be included and treated with respect, avoiding the fate of other legacy sequels that have written off key characters off-screen.

The Mummy 4 is slated to hit theaters in 2028. With the original stars back and a new story that disregards the less-favored third film, expectations are high that this installment will restore the franchise’s reputation and deliver another thrilling adventure.