Over the weekend, fans of The Mummy franchise caught their first glimpse of Rachel Weisz’s return as Evie Carnahan in the untitled sequel, and by Monday, Brendan Fraser’s official new look was finally unveiled. Page Six published a batch of on-set photographs showing Fraser, who is reprising his role as soldier-turned-treasure-hunter Rick O’Connell, sporting a black leather jacket and clutching a white helmet. The images, captured during production of the film still working without an official title, suggest a dramatically different chapter for the character, who appears to have traded treasure hunting for a life as a race car driver.
The photographs offer the first concrete visual confirmation of the film’s direction, which departs sharply from the ancient-tomb adventures that defined the earlier entries. Based on a “Rick O’Connell Racing” jacket worn by an extra in one of the shots, it seems Rick has embraced a new career in motorsport during his retirement from the field. On set, a shiny rocket car was visible, apparently staged for a scene in which Rick is attempting to set a speed record and break the sound barrier, according to signage seen in the background of several photos. A couple of the images appear to feature Fraser’s stunt double, underscoring the action-heavy nature of the material.
A Return to the Franchise’s Roots
Weisz, who returned to set in the iconic role of Evie Carnahan, was also captured in a new photograph—a wide shot showing her standing in front of the British Museum, with extras and crew lined up off to the sides. Her character had skipped 2008’s The Mummy 3: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, making this her first appearance in the franchise in nearly two decades. She reunites here with Fraser, whose departure from the series after the original two films has been a frequent subject of fan longing.
The Mummy 4 is officially slated to arrive in theaters on Oct. 15, 2027, giving the production ample time to complete its ambitious stunt sequences. The film marks a deliberate attempt to recapture the tone and success of the beloved original entries, which established the franchise’s enduring appeal as a swashbuckling adventure.
The Mummy franchise officially returns to theaters next year, bringing back the beloved duo that started it all.
Fan expectations for The Mummy 4
From Critical Highs to a Rocky Reboot
The franchise’s history has been a study in contrasts. After two beloved entries, the series faltered with the critically panned Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, which shifted the tone and alienated portions of the fanbase. The 2017 reboot, starring Tom Cruise, was not received any better by critics, leaving the IP in a state of uncertainty for years. That context makes the return of Fraser and Weisz all the more significant for nostalgic supporters who have long hoped to see the original magic restored.
Beyond the two leads, a surprising number of familiar faces are returning for the sequel. Oded Fehr is back as Ardeth Bay, John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan, Arnold Vosloo as the villainous Imhotep, and Kevin J. O’Connor as Beni Gabor—the bumbling sidekick who died in the first movie. The return of these characters signals a clear intent to reconnect with the original trilogy’s continuity rather than forge an entirely new path.
For many fans, the set photos and casting announcements represent a promising sign that the sequel understands what made the earlier films resonate. The prospect of seeing Rick O’Connell in an entirely new context—a retired hero pulled into a high-speed world of rocket cars and speed records—has generated considerable buzz online, even as it represents a bold creative risk for the franchise.
Looking Ahead
With the film still in production and its official title yet to be announced, more details are expected to emerge in the coming months. The set photos released by Page Six represent just the first look at a project that aims to deliver a popcorn-movie spectacle while honoring the characters that fans have grown to love. As the Oct. 15, 2027 release date approaches, the combination of returning cast members, ambitious action set pieces, and the promise of Fraser and Weisz’s reunion has reinvigorated enthusiasm for a franchise that many had written off. Whether the racing-driver pivot pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: The Mummy is officially back in theaters, and fans are ready to ride.
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