Brendan Fraser was a 90s to 00’s heart throb and a force to be reckoned, especially in The Mummy franchise. But could he do it all again? He hasn’t signed up for The Mummy 4, and no sequel is officially in production, but rumors are circulating. What Fraser has done is acknowledge that he’s open to returning as Rick O’Connell under the right circumstances. His subtle excitement and agreement have reignited interest in a franchise that many assumed were finished.
Fraser played Rick O’Connell in The Mummy (1999), The Mummy Returns (2001), and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008). Those three films defined Universal’s version of mummies for decades. Since then, the series has struggled to find a footing, most notably with the 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise, which failed to launch a new direction.
To be clear – Brendan Fraser didn’t make a movie announcement. He was responding to a question, but it matters because he clarified where he stands on the possibility.
What Brendan Fraser Actually Said
In recent interviews, Brendan Fraser said he would consider returning to The Mummy franchise if a new film has a strong script and if fans were excited. He didn’t claim to be in talks, and he didn’t suggest that Universal has a project ready to produce.
His stance was practical. Fraser said he wouldn’t come back to revisit the character for nostalgia alone. Any return would need to justify Rick O’Connell’s presence and account for the time that’s passed between the last film and a new one.
That distinction is important. Brendan Fraser isn’t pitching a sequel, but he’s setting conditions – just in case. His exact words? “Would I like to? Absolutely. I’ve always said I like the idea and I always will. It’s just… it’s not up to me to pull the trigger.”
Why Rick O’Connell Worked in the First Place
Rick O’Connell became a popular character because he wasn’t a flawless hero. In the 1999 The Mummy, he’s competent but sarcastic, witty, and often outmatched, reacting to supernatural chaos instead of controlling it. Brendan Fraser mixed humor with visible fear and confusion when confronted with a powerful mummy’s return to life.
The Mummy Returns expanded the storyline, adding larger action sequences and deeper family dynamics. But it kept Rick O’Connell at the center. The character remained relatable even as the action increased.
By the time Tomb of the Dragon Emperor arrived in 2008, the series had shifted locations and mythology, moving away from Egypt and into Chinese folklore. Brendan Fraser returned, but the movie lacked the chemistry, adventure, and clarity of the earlier films, which effectively ended the original run.
Any future installment would have to acknowledge that uneven franchise history.
Why This Goes Deeper Than Nostalgia
Brendan Fraser’s recent career choices show a pattern of selectivity. After years away from leading studio roles, he returned with projects like The Whale, earning him an Academy Award. His resurgence is built on character-driven work, not franchise revamps.
That makes his comments about The Mummy 4 feel more grounded. He’s not campaigning for a sequel. He’s recognizing that Rick O’Connell is part of his history, but not something he’d come back for without purpose. If The Mummy 4 ever happens, Brendan Fraser would likely reappear as the old Rick O’Connel, not a reset version.
What to Take Away
Right now, there’s no The Mummy 4. There’re interest and possibility.
Brendan Fraser said he’d consider returning to the role he played in three films, provided the story is justified. Universal hasn’t made a move publicly, even with the rumor mills spinning, so everything is hush-hush. There are no secret negotiations, just confirmation that the door isn’t closed on the possibility of a Rick O’Connell comeback.