One of the most surprising developments in recent Hollywood history was the official announcement that a fourth The Mummy movie, starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, is actually moving forward. Nearly two decades after the franchise's most divisive entry, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, the long-awaited sequel has not only confirmed the return of John Hannah as the beloved Jonathan Carnahan but also secured a powerhouse directing duo: Matt Bettinelli-Oplin and Tyler Gillett, collectively known as Radio Silence. The team behind Ready or Not, the fifth and sixth Scream films, and Abigail are set to bring their signature style to this classic adventure.
Naturally, speculation has been rampant about which familiar faces might return and which new stars could join the cast. Earlier this week, the first new cast member was seemingly confirmed: Michael Johnston, fresh off the massive success of 2026's horror sensation Obsession, is reportedly in early talks for an undisclosed role. Now, Johnston himself has addressed the rumors in an exclusive interview with Collider.
Speaking to Collider's Perri Nemiroff, Johnston expressed that collaborating with Radio Silence on the next chapter of The Mummy would be "incredible." While he stopped short of a definitive confirmation, he shared his intrigue upon learning that the directors—known for their R-rated, gore-filled horror—would be helming a sequel in a predominantly PG-13 franchise. "When I heard that they were directing it, I was like 'Oh! Interesting!'" Johnston said. "When I heard about that, I actually went back and watched the first Mummy, and I was like 'Oh yeah, I remember why I watched this movie 20 times when I was a kid.' And I've been thinking about how they're gonna take the classic Mummy story and put that spin on it and kind of subvert expectations. So that'd be really exciting."
Johnston's enthusiasm mirrors the buzz surrounding the project. The actor's recent breakout in Obsession has made him a hot commodity, and his potential addition to the Mummy franchise could bring a fresh energy to the series. For fans, the prospect of seeing Radio Silence apply their twisted sensibilities to a beloved adventure property is tantalizing. The directing duo has a knack for blending horror with dark humor, as seen in their work on Ready or Not and the recent Scream sequels, which revitalized those franchises.
Plot details for The Mummy 4 remain tightly under wraps, but if the story returns to its Ancient Egyptian roots, it could open the door for the return of fan-favorite characters like Oded Fehr's noble Medjay Ardeth Bay or Arnold Vosloo's iconic villain Imhotep. However, don't expect any callbacks to Tomb of the Dragon Emperor—Radio Silence has already stated that the third film is not being treated as canon, a move that has pleased many fans who were disappointed by its shift to Chinese mythology.
As for other potential cast members, the sequel is expected to reunite Fraser, Weisz, and Hannah, with Johnston potentially joining as a new lead. The film is currently set for an October 15, 2027 release date, giving Radio Silence plenty of time to craft a worthy follow-up. For now, fans can revisit the original Mummy and speculate on how the directors will subvert expectations. In the meantime, check out our coverage of Michael B. Jordan's latest trailer or dive into Gen Z's new horror obsession on Prime Video.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more updates on The Mummy 4 and all your favorite entertainment news.
