Universal Pictures Reportedly Eyeing Dwayne Johnson For ‘The Mummy 4’ And New Scorpion King Film

Universal Pictures seems poised to dive back into one of its most lucrative adventure franchises with renewed vigor. Recent reports suggest that the studio is not only moving forward with a fourth installment in the beloved series but also hopes to recruit one of its biggest breakout stars for the project. Industry insider Daniel Richtman claims that executives are keen on bringing Dwayne Johnson back to the world of gods and monsters. The studio reportedly wants him to reprise his role as Mathayus in the upcoming sequel.

The buzz surrounding ‘The Mummy 4’ has been growing steadily with rumors already circulating about the return of original stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz. Adding Johnson to the mix would reunite the trio for the first time since the 2001 blockbuster ‘The Mummy Returns’. While the scope of his involvement remains under wraps, sources indicate the studio is pushing for at least a cameo appearance in the new film. This would serve as a major nostalgic draw for fans who remember his dramatic introduction as the Scorpion King over two decades ago.

There are also whispers that Universal has plans extending beyond just a simple reunion in the main timeline. The report mentions interest in developing a brand new ‘Scorpion King’ movie with Johnson attached to star once again. It is unclear if this would be a direct sequel to his 2002 spinoff or a fresh reboot of the character for modern audiences. Johnson has frequently credited his role as the desert warrior for launching his Hollywood career and often speaks fondy of the experience.

Johnson himself recently addressed the possibility of returning to the franchise during press engagements. He admitted that he would certainly consider the opportunity if the call came in and emphasized his respect for Brendan Fraser. He noted that the original films belong to Fraser but acknowledged the life-changing impact the role had on his own trajectory. This openness from the actor aligns perfectly with the studio’s apparent desire to lock him down for a multi-picture deal.

The prospect of seeing Johnson return to the role is particularly amusing given the infamous legacy of his CGI appearance in ‘The Mummy Returns’. Visual effects technology has improved frantically since the early 2000s and would allow for a much more convincing portrayal of the character this time around. A proper reunion between Rick O’Connell and the Scorpion King could finally give audiences the epic showdown that technology couldn’t quite deliver twenty years ago.

Let us know in the comments if you would like to see The Rock return to his first major movie role.