Brendan Fraser has revealed he is 'trying my best' to get into shape for his return as adventurer Rick O'Connell in the upcoming fourth instalment of The Mummy franchise. The Oscar-winning actor, now 57, appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss the sequel, asking fans to 'please wish me luck' as he embarks on a rigorous fitness regime.
A Long-Awaited Return
Fraser, who starred in the original The Mummy (1999) and The Mummy Returns (2001), confirmed that the new film will reunite the original cast, including Rachel Weisz and John Hannah. 'We're gonna get the band back together,' he said, adding that it is the only way to do justice to the franchise. He noted that fans have been requesting a fourth film for over two decades.
The actor admitted he had been 'hopeful for a long while' that a sequel would materialise, but was uncertain about his co-stars' enthusiasm. Weisz did not appear in the third film, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008), in which her character was replaced by Maria Bello.
Fraser's Career Resurgence
Fraser's return to the blockbuster franchise follows a career renaissance. He won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Darren Aronofsky's The Whale (2022), where he played a reclusive English teacher struggling with obesity. More recently, he starred in the comedy-drama Rental Family, about an American man hired by a Japanese agency to play stand-in roles for strangers.
Reflecting on the third Mummy film, Fraser stated, 'The one I wanted to make was never made. But the one I wanted to make is forthcoming. And I've been waiting 20 years for this call.'
Directorial Duo
The Mummy 4 will be co-directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known collectively as Radio Silence, who previously helmed the Ready or Not horror franchise. The film is expected to begin production later this year.
