The Mummy 4: Latest News, Cast & Release Updates

‘Obsession’ Star Michael Johnston in Talks to Join ‘The Mummy 4’ With Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz

Michael Johnston, best known for his role in the psychological thriller Obsession, is in early negotiations to board the long-rumored fourth installment of Universal’s The Mummy franchise, alongside returning stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, according to sources familiar with the project. The film, which has been the subject of fan speculation for years, appears to be moving forward with a fresh creative direction that aims to reconnect with the spirit of the original trilogy while introducing new characters.

Johnston’s potential casting signals that Universal is looking to blend established franchise actors with rising talent. The actor’s performance in Obsession drew attention for its intensity and emotional range, qualities that could serve a story centered on ancient curses and modern-day terror. Details about his character remain under wraps, but insiders suggest he would play a key supporting role, possibly a skeptic or an academic drawn into the supernatural chaos unleashed by a resurrected queen.

The reunion of Fraser and Weisz, who starred as adventurers Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan in the first three films, has been a persistent hope among fans since the franchise stalled after 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. Fraser has publicly expressed interest in returning, and Weisz’s involvement - she did not appear in the third film - adds credibility to the project as a true sequel to the original storyline, rather than a reboot.

A Return to the Franchise’s Roots

The 2017 reboot, simply titled The Mummy and starring Tom Cruise, attempted to launch a shared universe of monster movies but received middling reviews and a box-office performance that fell short of expectations. That film’s plot - in which an ancient queen named Ahmanet is awakened in the modern day, bringing malevolence and terrors - echoed the original’s premise but swapped the tone for a darker, more action-heavy approach. With a TMDb rating of 5.521/10, it struggled to win over audiences who preferred the adventure-horror blend of the Fraser films.

The new Mummy 4 is reportedly being developed as a direct continuation of the 1999 - 2008 series, ignoring the 2017 reboot entirely. That approach would allow the filmmakers to pick up with Rick and Evelyn years after they defeated Imhotep and the Dragon Emperor, now older and perhaps passing the torch to a new generation. Johnston’s character could fit into that framework as a younger explorer or a descendant of one of the original cast members.

Universal has not officially confirmed the project, but the fact that Fraser and Weisz are in active talks - and that Johnston is now being courted - suggests a serious commitment to reviving the franchise. No director has been attached yet, though speculation points to a filmmaker comfortable with both practical effects and globe-trotting set pieces, in the vein of Stephen Sommers, who directed the first two films.

What We Know About the Story

While the studio has not released a synopsis for The Mummy 4, the core premise established in the original series - an ancient evil awakened in the present day - offers ample room for expansion. The 2017 reboot’s overview described “an ancient queen whose destiny was unjustly taken from her” awakening “malevolence grown over millennia, and terrors that defy human comprehension,” a formula that could easily be adapted for a Fraser-led sequel with a lighter, more romantic- adventure tone.

Given the success of legacy sequels in recent years - such as Top Gun: Maverick and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - it makes sense that Universal would look to capitalize on nostalgia while injecting fresh blood. Johnston, 34, represents that new blood. His Obsession co-stars have praised his work ethic, and his social media following has grown steadily since the film’s release on streaming platforms.

The 110-minute runtime of the 2017 film suggests that a new entry would likely hover around similar length, but with a more character-driven focus. Fans have already flooded forums with wish lists for the cast and crew, and Fraser’s recent Oscar-winning turn in The Whale has only amplified interest in his return to a blockbuster franchise.

Industry Context

The negotiations come at a time when Universal is reassessing its monster-movie strategy. After the Dark Universe failed to launch with the 2017 Mummy, the studio pivoted to standalone, director-driven projects like Leigh Whannell’s The Invisible Man, which was a critical and commercial success. The Mummy 4, if it moves forward, would be a hybrid: a legacy sequel with franchise DNA but a modern sensibility.

Representatives for Johnston, Fraser, and Weisz declined to comment, and Universal did not respond to requests for confirmation. But with the date now July 28, 2026, and production potentially eyeing a 2027 start, fans may not have to wait much longer for an official announcement - and for the chance to see Rick O’Connell dust off his fedora one more time.

Source: Variety