The Mummy 4: 7 Shocking Reasons Rachel Weisz's Return As Evelyn Carnahan Is The Biggest News Of 2025

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The possibility of Rachel Weisz reprising her iconic role as Evelyn "Evie" Carnahan in a new *The Mummy* film has sent shockwaves through the adventure cinema world, marking one of the most exciting casting developments of late 2025. After years of speculation and a failed reboot attempt, the original, beloved franchise is poised for a spectacular return, hinging on the reunion of its two central stars, Weisz and Brendan Fraser. This highly anticipated fourth installment promises to recapture the magic, humor, and heart that made the 1999 and 2001 films global phenomena, and it all starts with the return of the brilliant, bookish Egyptologist who started the whole adventure.

As of December 2025, reports confirm that both Weisz and Fraser are in discussions to star in *The Mummy 4*, a project Universal Pictures is fast-tracking to revive the action-adventure series. This news is a direct response to the overwhelming fan demand and the recent resurgence of interest in the original films, proving that the chemistry between Rick O'Connell and Evelyn Carnahan remains the core ingredient for the franchise's success. The following deep dive explores why Weisz’s return is not just a casting announcement, but a monumental moment for the franchise, her career, and the character of Evelyn.

Rachel Weisz: The Oscar-Winning Actress Behind Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell

Rachel Hannah Weisz is a celebrated English actress known for her versatility, effortlessly transitioning between large-scale blockbusters and critically acclaimed independent films. Born on March 7, 1970, in Westminster, London, Weisz's career is marked by both commercial success and significant artistic accolades, establishing her as one of her generation's most respected performers.

  • Full Name: Rachel Hannah Weisz
  • Born: March 7, 1970 (Age 55 in late 2025)
  • Place of Birth: Westminster, London, England
  • Spouse: Daniel Craig (Married 2011)
  • Breakthrough Role: Evelyn Carnahan in *The Mummy* (1999)
  • Major Awards:
    • Academy Award (Oscar) Winner: Best Supporting Actress for *The Constant Gardener* (2005)
    • Academy Award Nominee: Best Actress in a Supporting Role for *The Favourite* (2018)
    • Golden Globe Winner: Best Supporting Actress for *The Constant Gardener* (2005)
    • BAFTA Winner: Best Actress in a Supporting Role for *The Constant Gardener* (2005)
  • Notable Filmography Highlights (Beyond *The Mummy*):
    • *Stealing Beauty* (1996)
    • *About a Boy* (2002)
    • *Constantine* (2005)
    • *The Constant Gardener* (2005)
    • *The Fountain* (2006)
    • *The Lovely Bones* (2009)
    • *The Deep Blue Sea* (2011)
    • *The Lobster* (2015)
    • *The Favourite* (2018)
    • *Black Widow* (2021)

Weisz's decision to potentially return to a major action franchise after years of focusing on prestige and independent projects underscores the cultural importance and enduring appeal of the *The Mummy* films.

The Mummy 4: The Confirmed Details and Rumors Fueling the Hype

The development of *The Mummy 4* has been a closely guarded secret, but the latest reports from late 2025 have confirmed the most critical element: the push for the original stars to return. This is a monumental shift after the ill-fated 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise, which attempted to launch Universal's "Dark Universe" but failed to capture the spirit of the originals.

1. The Star Reunion is Officially in the Works

The most compelling news is that both Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz are reportedly in discussions to reprise their roles as Rick and Evelyn O'Connell. This reunion is the singular element fans have demanded for over a decade. Fraser and Weisz’s on-screen chemistry—the perfect blend of swashbuckling bravado and intellectual charm—is widely credited as the heart of the first two films.

2. The Franchise is Returning to Its Roots

While no official plot details have been released, industry insiders suggest the new film will deliberately pivot away from the dark, serious tone of the 2017 reboot. The intention is to return to the successful formula of the 1999 original: a balanced mix of exhilarating action, genuinely terrifying horror elements, and the signature lighthearted, romantic comedy tone that defined the O'Connell family adventures. The plot is expected to continue the story of Rick and Evelyn, likely involving their now-adult son, Alex O'Connell, though the casting for this role is yet to be confirmed.

3. Radio Silence Duo May Direct

Adding a layer of modern horror-comedy credibility, the directing duo known as Radio Silence (Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett), famous for their work on the successful *Scream* franchise revival and *Ready or Not*, are reportedly in talks to helm the project. Their involvement signals Universal's commitment to blending action with genuine scares, a hallmark of the original *Mummy* that often gets overlooked.

Evelyn Carnahan: The True Heroine and Intellectual Powerhouse

Rachel Weisz’s portrayal of Evelyn Carnahan is celebrated not just for its charm, but for its subversion of the typical "damsel in distress" trope. Evie is arguably the true protagonist of the 1999 film, driving the entire narrative with her intellectual curiosity and ambition.

4. Evie is the Intellectual Catalyst

Evelyn is introduced as a highly intelligent, yet clumsy, Egyptologist and librarian working at the Cairo Museum of Antiquities. Her entire motivation is to prove herself as a serious adventurer and scholar. It is her knowledge—her ability to read the ancient Egyptian texts, including the Book of the Dead—that both resurrects Imhotep and ultimately helps to defeat him. Without Evelyn's scholarly expertise, there is no story.

5. The Evolution from Librarian to Action Heroine

The character arc is one of the most satisfying in the franchise. In *The Mummy* (1999), she starts as a bookish academic who accidentally causes a domino effect of destruction in a library (a scene Weisz herself called one of the funniest). By *The Mummy Returns* (2001), she is a skilled fighter, a loving wife, and an active partner in every perilous expedition, even revealing her past-life connection to Princess Nefertiri, the keeper of the Bracelet of Anubis.

6. Weisz’s Commitment to the Character’s Flaws

Weisz brought a crucial humanity to Evie. Her occasional clumsiness and initial nervousness made her relatable and grounded the fantastical elements of the film. This contrast—the brilliant mind housed in a slightly awkward, yet determined, explorer—is what made the character so enduring and beloved by fans, especially young women who saw a reflection of themselves in the intellectual heroine.

7. The Opportunity for a Mature, Oscar-Caliber Performance in Mummy 4

Since the last installment featuring Weisz, the actress has won an Oscar and solidified her status as a serious dramatic force. Her return for *The Mummy 4* offers a unique opportunity to blend her current prestige with the adventure genre. Fans are eager to see a more mature, perhaps world-weary, yet still brilliant Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell. The new film has the potential to explore the challenges of a couple still balancing family life with world-saving expeditions, providing a rich, emotional layer that only Weisz’s caliber can deliver. Her involvement guarantees the film will be treated with a level of respect and quality that a simple cash-grab sequel would lack, ensuring that Evelyn Carnahan remains one of cinema's greatest action heroines.

rachel weisz the mummy
rachel weisz the mummy

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