Brendan Fraser Returns as Rick O’Connell in First Set Photos from ‘The Mummy 4’

Avatar photoHrvoje Milakovic
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Few adventure franchises evoke as much nostalgia as ‘The Mummy’. The 1999 classic transformed Brendan Fraser into one of Hollywood’s most beloved action heroes, and fans have long been yearning for a reunion. That long-awaited reunion is finally happening.

Production has been ramping up for months. Earlier this year, Universal confirmed that Fraser and Rachel Weisz would reprise their roles, with Radio Silence at the helm, and filming was anticipated to start in August. Recently, the first set photos provided fans with an exciting glimpse of the project in action.

The images capture Fraser as Rick O’Connell, taken on Monday, September 28. Fraser was spotted wearing a black leather jacket and a white crash helmet, beaming as he filmed scenes at a military base in Suffolk, England. The photos surfaced via Backgrid and quickly gained traction online, with one post amassing around 1.4 million views.

The details in the photos sparked considerable buzz among fans. Fraser is seen with a vintage silver-and-red rocket car marked EPSA, hinting at a thrilling 1957 speed trials sequence. TMZ observed that his stunt double appeared to handle most of the driving.

ScreenRant highlighted that an extra in the scene dons a white and red jacket emblazoned with “Rick O’Connell Racing” on the back. This suggests that Rick may now own a racing team, marking a significant shift for a character traditionally known for treasure hunting. It also indicates a different era for the story, as ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’ was set in 1946.

Fraser isn’t the only original star featured in the photos. Weisz was also spotted filming outside London’s British Museum as Evelyn O’Connell. Her outfit included a yellow polka-dot skirt, a cropped brown jacket, a matching wide-brimmed hat, gloves, and a vintage leather briefcase.

This marks her first return to the role since ‘The Mummy Returns’ in 2001. Maria Bello took over as Evelyn in 2008’s ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’, and the new film is expected to disregard that third installment. Although Weisz and Fraser were not photographed together, fans are eager to see the couple reunite on screen.

The reunion extends beyond the two leads. John Hannah, Oded Fehr, and Kevin J. O’Connor are also back, reprising their roles as Jonathan, Ardeth Bay, and Beni. This nostalgic return is a significant draw for fans who grew up with the original films.

Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are directing from a script penned by David Coggeshall. Their previous work includes ‘Ready or Not’, ‘Abigail’, and the ‘Scream’ films, suggesting a mix of scares, humor, and heart. Details about the plot remain under wraps.

There’s also positive news regarding the film’s timing. Universal has moved the release date from May 19, 2028, to October 15, 2027, placing it in the Halloween season—a fitting time for a franchise centered around a cursed mummy.

This date change indicates confidence in the project. The ‘Mummy’ series has already grossed over $1 billion worldwide, and a new chapter featuring its original stars seems like a strong bet. Whether this confidence translates into box office success remains to be seen.

Fraser’s return also symbolizes his remarkable career resurgence. He won the Best Actor Oscar for ‘The Whale’, and he has mentioned training rigorously to prepare for his return as Rick. He showcased a new look at the European premiere of his World War II thriller ‘Pressure’ earlier this year.

He also shares a personal connection to the franchise’s legacy. He was recently seen enjoying the Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride at Universal Studios Hollywood with the directors, a playful nod to the series’ cultural significance. These small moments help build excitement for a film that fans have eagerly anticipated for years.

For now, these set photos provide the clearest glimpse yet. They depict a confident Rick, a stylish Evelyn, and a production that seems to capture the essence of the originals. With just over a year until release, the excitement is palpable.

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