Universal Pictures is reportedly pursuing Dwayne Johnson to reprise his role as the Scorpion King in the upcoming fourth Mummy film. The studio is also in talks with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to return as the leads. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are attached to helm the project.
Last November, Universal Pictures began discussions with Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to revive the Mummy franchise from the 1990s and 2000s. If agreements are reached, Fraser would return as Rick O'Connell, and Weisz as Evelyn O'Connell. The film, directed by Radio Silence's Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett—known for Scream and Abigail—will use a script by David Coggeshall, who wrote The Deliverance. Producers include franchise veteran Sean Daniel, along with William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein from Project X Entertainment.
Plot specifics remain confidential, but recent reports from insider Daniel Richtman indicate Universal is seeking Johnson for at least a cameo as the Scorpion King. This could heighten anticipation and potentially pave the way for a Scorpion King reboot. Johnson, whose earlier films in the series boosted his career, has expressed openness to the idea. "Oh, man, I don’t know. I’m always open. To be clear, that is Brendan Fraser’s franchise. I love that man. He’s one of my greatest supporters. We support each other. And if they want to call the Scorpion King, I know a guy who knows a guy," Johnson said. "I would certainly consider it. Because that franchise changed my life."
Fraser, meanwhile, has teased potential developments without specifics. "My lips are sealed!" he stated recently. "I'm hopeful to have good news soon because I know how popular the films were. People say, 'I grew up watching that movie, and now I’ve got kids.' Let’s all keep our fingers crossed and light a candle."
The original Mummy (1999) and The Mummy Returns (2001), both directed by Stephen Sommers and starring Fraser and Weisz, each grossed over $400 million worldwide—equivalent to nearly $800 million adjusted for inflation. The 2008 sequel, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, directed by Rob Cohen and featuring only Fraser, earned $403 million. The Scorpion King spin-off, starring Johnson, made about $179 million on a $60 million budget, leading to direct-to-video sequels with other actors like Michael Copon, Victor Webster, and Zach McGowan.
