Universal Pictures has confirmed The Mummy: Book of the Dead as the title of its next installment in the adventure franchise, with a theatrical release scheduled for October 15, 2027. Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz will reunite as Rick and Evie O’Connell, alongside several actors from the earlier films.
Key Takeaways
- The Mummy: Book of the Dead is scheduled for theatrical release on October 15, 2027.
- Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are returning as Rick and Evie O’Connell for the first time together in the franchise since 2001.
- John Hannah, Oded Fehr and Kevin J. O’Connor are among the returning performers, while Michael Johnston and Numan Acar have joined the cast.
- Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are directing from a screenplay by David Coggeshall.
- The film follows the franchise’s main installments released in 1999, 2001 and 2008, although details of the new story remain undisclosed.
Universal Pictures Confirms the New Mummy Title
Universal announced the title on October 15, 2026, exactly one year ahead of the film’s planned release. Book of the Dead refers to the ancient text that played a central role in the 1999 movie, when Evie’s reading of the book helped awaken the priest Imhotep. The title recalls that mythology, but the studio has not revealed how the artifact will figure in the new story.
The production marks another continuation of a familiar Universal property. The studio has also explored plans for Mamma Mia 3, including a possible return for Meryl Streep. Unlike that still-developing project, the next Mummy film has an announced release date and confirmed returning leads.
The upcoming film is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking duo known as Radio Silence, from a screenplay by David Coggeshall. Specific plot details have not been announced.
Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz Reunite as Rick and Evie
Fraser and Weisz first played Rick O’Connell and Evelyn “Evie” Carnahan in The Mummy (1999). The film followed an expedition to the fictional Egyptian city of Hamunaptra, where the discovery of an ancient tomb unleashed a supernatural threat. Its combination of adventure, comedy and horror helped establish the characters as the center of the series.
Both actors returned for The Mummy Returns in 2001. Fraser later reprised Rick in The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008), but Weisz did not appear in that installment; Maria Bello took over the role of Evie. The new film brings Fraser and Weisz back together as the original on-screen pair after more than two decades.
Their reunion is one of the clearest connections between the upcoming installment and the first two movies. Filming has been underway in London, but the studio has not disclosed the characters’ circumstances or the central conflict of the new adventure.
John Hannah, Oded Fehr and Kevin J. O’Connor Join Returning Cast
The cast also includes John Hannah, Oded Fehr and Kevin J. O’Connor, all of whom appeared in the earlier films. Hannah played Jonathan Carnahan, Evie’s brother, while Fehr portrayed Ardeth Bay, a warrior involved in protecting ancient secrets. Both appeared in the 1999 original and its 2001 sequel.
O’Connor played Beni Gabor, Rick’s former associate, in the first film. His return brings another performer from the original production into the new installment, although the circumstances of his character’s involvement have not been explained.
Michael Johnston and Numan Acar are also part of the announced cast. Their characters have not been detailed, leaving the balance between familiar faces and new additions to be clarified as Universal releases further information.
October 2027 Release Continues the Franchise’s Theatrical History
The Mummy: Book of the Dead is scheduled to open in theaters on October 15, 2027. The date follows an earlier release plan for May 2028 and places the film on next year’s theatrical calendar.
The 2027 schedule also includes a new Ocean’s Eleven prequel, currently planned for June. Where that film explores an earlier generation within its fictional world, the new Mummy installment returns to the central characters of the original adventure.
The main Mummy series began with the 1999 film, continued with The Mummy Returns in 2001 and moved to China for The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor in 2008. The franchise also produced the 2002 spinoff The Scorpion King. The 2027 production will add a fourth main installment centered on Fraser’s Rick O’Connell.
What Is Still Unknown About the New Mummy Movie
Universal has confirmed the title, release date, directors and key cast members, but has not released a detailed plot synopsis. The significance of the Book of the Dead in the new storyline and the roles of some returning performers remain open questions.
For now, the confirmed return of Fraser and Weisz reconnects the project with the characters who led the original two films. Further announcements will establish how the filmmakers plan to continue their story.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official title of the next Mummy movie?
The film is titled The Mummy: Book of the Dead, as announced in October 2026.
When will The Mummy: Book of the Dead be released?
Universal Pictures has scheduled the film to open in theaters on October 15, 2027.
Are Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz returning?
Yes. Fraser will reprise Rick O’Connell and Weisz will return as Evie O’Connell. They last appeared together in the franchise in The Mummy Returns (2001).
Which other actors are returning?
John Hannah, Oded Fehr and Kevin J. O’Connor are among the returning performers. Michael Johnston and Numan Acar are also in the cast.
Who is directing the new Mummy film?
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are directing, with David Coggeshall credited as screenwriter.
