Fans of the beloved 1999 action-adventure The Mummy have been buzzing ever since Universal announced a fourth installment, and now the excitement just got a major boost. Arnold Vosloo, the actor who brought the cursed priest Imhotep to life, has officially confirmed he's returning for The Mummy: Book of the Dead, set to hit theaters on May 19, 2028.
In a recent appearance on Jack Carr's podcast, Vosloo dropped the news that fans have been waiting for. "I just signed my deal, that we are doing another Mummy," he said. "Brendan and them are shooting now in London, and the character Imhotep is back, that I play." He also revealed he'll start filming in November and teased that the movie is slated for release next year, adding, "This is the first time I've admitted that I'm back in the next Mummy."
The original The Mummy, directed by Stephen Sommers, became a worldwide phenomenon thanks to its perfect blend of horror, humor, and heart, starring Brendan Fraser, Rachel Weisz, and John Hannah. The film's cult status has only grown over the years, especially after Fraser's acclaimed comeback in The Whale reignited interest in the franchise.
Now, with The Mummy: Book of the Dead, Universal is finally giving fans the sequel they've craved. The film will be directed by the horror collective Radio Silence, known for Abigail, from a script by David Coggeshall (Orphan: First Kill). Notably, the new movie will pick up after the events of The Mummy and The Mummy Returns, completely ignoring the poorly received 2008 sequel The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, which lacked Weisz and was the franchise's lowest point.
While plot details remain under wraps, the returning cast is shaping up to be a dream reunion. Fraser and Weisz have already been spotted on set, recreating the electric chemistry of Rick and Evie. John Hannah is also back as the lovable Jonathan, and now Vosloo's Imhotep completes the core quartet. Vosloo explained his character's return with a wink: "Imhotep is back. Somebody wakes me up. They read from the Book of the Dead and there we are, so the fans will get to see me again in that."
Imhotep has been the franchise's iconic antagonist, and his resurrection promises to bring the same thrilling menace that made the original films so memorable. With the original cast reuniting and a fresh creative team at the helm, The Mummy: Book of the Dead is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated releases of 2028.
For those who can't wait, there's plenty of other monster mayhem to enjoy. If you're in the mood for a different kind of mummy adventure, check out Tom Cruise's take on the mummy when it hits Netflix. And for more on the horror genre, you might want to see how Stephen Moyer returns in a two-part special that's sure to intrigue.
Stay tuned for more updates as production continues, and get ready to see Imhotep rise again in The Mummy: Book of the Dead.
