Brendan Fraser's career renaissance, affectionately dubbed the 'Brennaissance,' continues to gain momentum. After his Oscar-winning turn in The Whale and a standout role in Rental Family, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to one of his most iconic roles: Rick O'Connell in a new The Mummy film. The upcoming sequel, set for release in 2026, will reunite Fraser with Rachel Weisz and John Hannah, under the direction of the Radio Silence duo (Tyler Gillett and Matt Bettinelli-Olpin), who recently helmed Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.
But while the new film promises to pick up after The Mummy Returns, the franchise's most controversial entry is enjoying an unexpected resurgence. The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, released in 2008, has clawed its way into the top 10 most-streamed movies on HBO Max in the U.S., according to recent data. This surge comes 18 years after its original release, driven by renewed interest in the franchise.
The 2008 film was a divisive chapter, replacing Rachel Weisz with Maria Bello as Evelyn Carnahan and earning a dismal 13% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite the critical drubbing, it grossed over $405 million worldwide, making it one of the summer's biggest hits. Now, it's finding a second life on streaming, much like other legacy titles such as Arnold Schwarzenegger's 'Predator' and Danny Glover's Sequel Dominate Free Streaming on Tubi.
Why 'Tomb of the Dragon Emperor' Is Back in the Spotlight
The timing of this streaming spike is no coincidence. With the announcement of a new The Mummy sequel, fans are revisiting the entire franchise, including the installment that was later deemed non-canon. In a March interview, directors Gillett and Bettinelli-Olpin confirmed that Tomb of the Dragon Emperor will not be part of the new film's continuity. When asked about the 2008 sequel's place in the story, Bettinelli-Olpin simply said, 'Well, Rachel is in this one,' with Gillett adding, 'That should answer the question for you.'
This clarification has only fueled curiosity, as viewers want to see what the franchise is leaving behind. The film's streaming success mirrors other nostalgic surges, like Angelina Jolie's 'Maleficent' Casts a Spell on Disney+ Streaming Charts Ahead of 2026, where anticipation for a new installment drives older titles back into the spotlight.
What to Expect From the 2026 Sequel
The upcoming The Mummy sequel promises to be a major event, with Fraser, Weisz, and Hannah all returning. The Radio Silence directors are known for their work on horror hits like Ready or Not and Scream, suggesting a darker, more thrilling tone. While plot details remain under wraps, the film is expected to honor the spirit of the first two movies, leaving Tomb of the Dragon Emperor as a standalone curiosity.
For those looking to catch up, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is currently streaming on HBO Max. And if you're in the mood for more fantasy action, check out our Ranking the Top Fantasy Films Since 2020: From Dream Invaders to Mythic Warriors for more recommendations.
Stay tuned to ShowtimeSpot for more streaming updates and all things Brendan Fraser.
