According to The InSneider, later echoed by THR, the next instalment of The Mummy franchise has added “Obsession” star Michael Johnston, who is in talks to join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz’s characters. The untitled sequel, the fourth entry in the franchise, is expected to shoot this fall.
Johnston’s rise has been fueled by “Obsession,” the Focus Features horror indie that became a surprise hit, earning more than $450M worldwide and becoming one of the year’s biggest films. Universal is reportedly interested in keeping the actor in the family after his performance helped turn him into a rising star.
While Johnston’s deal is not finalized for “The Mummy 4,” Sneider suggests Universal expects negotiations to move forward and sees him as a key part of the franchise’s future.
The new Mummy movie is being directed by Radio Silence, aka Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, from a script by David Coggeshall. The film is scheduled for release on October 15, 2027, with production expected to begin soon.
The 1999 original was written and directed by Stephen Sommers and was inspired by the 1932 film of the same name. Despite mixed reviews, it was a commercial success, grossing over $416M worldwide. The film’s success spawned two sequels: 2001’s “The Mummy Returns,” which also grossed over $400M, and 2008’s “The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.”
The ‘Mummy’ franchise abruptly ended after ‘Tomb of the Dragon Emperor,’ which was budgeted at $175M and barely turned a profit. Word is that this fourth film will “disregard the events” of ‘Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ — essentially pretending it never existed.
These movies play like Indiana Jones–style adventure, mixing swashbuckling action, romance, and touches of horror in a lush period setting. The original film stars Fraser as a fearless treasure hunter who journeys to 1920s Egypt alongside a librarian, portrayed by Weisz, only to accidentally unleash a supernaturally powerful high priest.
Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett have a horror-heavy filmography that includes “Ready or Not,” “Abigail,” “Scream” (2022), and “Scream VI.” They recently directed the “Ready or Not” sequel and are attached to helm an Art Bell biopic. In terms of budget, “The Mummy 4” will easily be the biggest film of their careers so far.
You don't see this every day: a major filmmaker, mid-release, admitting he's just not very good at his job. That’s exactly what Aaron Sorkin has done as “The Social Reckoning” dies a slow death in theaters.