Rachel Weisz Looks Perfect as Evelyn O’Connell in New The Mummy Set Photos

Rachel Weisz has been spotted back in costume as the beloved Egyptologist Evelyn O’Connell on the set of the upcoming rebooted The Mummy film, marking her return to the character nearly two decades after her last appearance. The 56-year-old actress was photographed filming scenes outside London’s British Museum, where she reprises the role of librarian, scholar, and action heroine that audiences first fell in love with at the turn of the millennium.

The set photos, first reported by the Daily Mail, reveal Weisz dressed in period-appropriate attire as Evelyn appears to be filmed early in the movie’s runtime. The production is underway in London, where scenes are being shot against the iconic backdrop of the British Museum, a fitting location for a film centered on ancient Egyptian artifacts and their restless guardians.

A Long-Awaited Reunion

Weisz stars alongside Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell in the new The Mummy, bringing together the original screen couple nearly 20 years after Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, the divisive third installment released in 2008. Notably, Weisz did not appear in that entry, with Maria Bello taking over the role of Evelyn instead.

The franchise’s complicated relationship with its own continuity was acknowledged in March when director duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett suggested that Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is not considered canon to the new film. This creative decision appears to open a clean slate for the rebooted series, allowing the story to reconnect with fans’ affection for the original characters without being bound by earlier continuity.

The physical demands of these productions are real, and I’ve always had tremendous respect for the stunt performers who make these sequences possible. What we’re capturing on screen represents years of preparation and care.

Brendan Fraser

Fraser, who plays Rick O’Connell, previously pointed to the power of stunt men ahead of filming, reflecting on his own harrowing experience during the original films. The 57-year-old sustained multiple injuries while shooting the Mummy movies, including a torn spinal disc and a cracked rib, which led to numerous surgeries over several years. These physical tolls played a part in his extended break from acting.

The Returning Cast

Beyond Weisz and Fraser, the film brings back John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan, the unscrupulous brother of Evelyn O’Connell. Hannah appeared throughout the first three Mummy movies, making his return a welcome sight for longtime fans. Additionally, Oded Fehr returns in the role of Ardeth Bay, another familiar face from the franchise’s earlier entries.

The reunion of these beloved characters has generated significant excitement among audiences who have waited years for the franchise to return to its roots. The combination of returning cast members and a fresh creative direction suggests the filmmakers intend to honor what made the original films special while charting new territory.

Fan Reaction and Period Details

Reaction to the set photos has been extremely positive, with fans praising Weisz’s period-appropriate costume choices. The Mummy is set in 1926, The Mummy Returns takes place in 1933, and Tomb of the Dragon Emperor unfolds in 1946. While the exact setting of the new film remains unannounced, visual evidence points toward a post-war London backdrop.

In one of the set photos, Weisz holds what appears to be a transistor radio, devices that were introduced in the mid-to-late 1950s. This detail suggests the new installment may be set during the 1950s, placing it chronologically after the events of the earlier films while maintaining continuity with the characters’ ages and relationships.

Looking Ahead

Much about The Mummy remains under wraps, including its final title, which has yet to be officially announced. However, Fraser expressed his enthusiasm for the project last November when speaking to the Associated Press, revealing he had waited two decades for the opportunity to return.

I’ve been waiting 20 years for this call to make another Mummy movie. It’s time to give the fans what they want.

Brendan Fraser

The film is scheduled to hit theaters on October 15, 2027, giving audiences several more years to anticipate its release. As production continues in London, additional set photos and details are expected to emerge as the filming progresses, offering fans further glimpses into how the filmmakers envision this long-awaited return.

With a beloved cast reuniting, strong positive reaction to early imagery, and clear intentions to honor the franchise’s legacy, The Mummy appears poised to deliver on the hopes of fans who have waited nearly two decades for Rick and Evelyn O’Connell to adventure once more.