After two decades of quiet, Brendan Fraser is finally speaking out about his time with The Mummy film franchise and the highly anticipated new chapter in the series.
A Long-Awaited Return
The 56-year-old actor, who recently won an Oscar for his role in The Whale, has broken his silence in a candid interview with the Associated Press. This comes after Variety reported on November 4 that Universal Pictures is actively developing a new film in the franchise.
Fraser, who was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, will reportedly return to star, with directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for 2019's Ready or Not and the 2022 Scream reboot, set to helm the project.
Reflecting on the original trilogy, Fraser revealed a sense of unfinished business. 'The one I wanted to make was never made,' the veteran actor stated, whose extensive filmography includes 1990s hits like School Ties, Encino Man, and George of the Jungle.
Reflections on the Past and a Look to the Future
Fraser starred in the original The Mummy in 1999, followed by The Mummy Returns in 2001 and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor in 2008. He offered a frank assessment of the third film, suggesting its production was influenced by corporate synergy.
'The third one was a model of … how can I say this to the AP reporter?,' Fraser pondered. 'NBC had the rights to broadcast the Olympics that year, so they put two together and we went to China.' Despite this, he expressed pride in the final product, calling it a 'good standalone movie' and praising the crew's effort.
However, his focus is now firmly on the future. 'I've been waiting 20 years for this call,' Fraser confessed. 'Sometimes it was loud, sometimes it was a faint telegraph. I believe it's time to give the fans what they want.'
In a major coup for fans, Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz, 55, is also set to return. Weisz played the beloved character Evelyn Carnahan in the first two films but did not appear in the third instalment.
Overcoming Challenges and Maintaining Integrity
Fraser had previously expressed uncertainty about how his character, Rick O'Connell, could be logically brought back into the fold. In an October 2022 interview with Variety, he admitted, 'I don't know how it would work,' but remained open to the idea if the right concept emerged.
When asked by the AP how he has maintained his sincere and sweet demeanour throughout his long and varied career in Hollywood, Fraser gave a thoughtful and heartfelt response.
'I get angry - sure, I get frustrated. I see the shortcuts and loopholes that get taken,' he shared. He used a powerful analogy, saying, 'Sometimes you just feel like the proverbial bully has the palm of his hand on your forehead and you’re throwing haymakers that don’t land until you’re exhausted and you’re being laughed at.'
He concluded on a principled note, stating, 'Who’s going to stand up for that person or issue? I don’t know if it’s me, but I know if I don’t contribute to that, maybe that’s a way I can help.'
