TL;DR: It’s actually happening. After years of rumors and that glorious "Brenaissance" Oscar win, Brendan Fraser is officially returning as Rick O’Connell in The Mummy 4, slated for a 2028 release. If you grew up in the late 90s, this is your Super Bowl. For your kids, it’s a chance to see what a real adventure movie looks like before "brain rot" took over the internet. It’ll likely be PG-13, heavy on the jump scares and "creepy-crawly" gross-outs, but anchored by the best "Dad energy" in Hollywood.
Quick Links for the O'Connell Marathon:
- The Mummy (1999) – The GOAT. Start here.
- The Mummy Returns – More action, questionable CGI Rock, still a blast.
- The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor – The "meh" one, but completionists will want it.
- Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – Great modern "vibe" comparison.
We’ve spent the last few years watching Brendan Fraser’s incredible comeback, from his powerhouse performance in The Whale to just being the most wholesome human on the planet. But let’s be real: we’ve all been waiting for him to pick up the dual pistols and the leather jacket again.
The news of The Mummy 4 dropping in 2028 has officially sent the parent group chats into a frenzy. It’s not just a sequel; it’s a correction. After the 2017 Tom Cruise reboot (which we shall not speak of again), Universal is finally giving the people what they want: the O’Connell family reunion.
If your kids are currently obsessed with MrBeast challenges or Roblox "obby" runs, they might not realize that Rick O’Connell was the original "main character energy" legend. This isn't some "Ohio" version of an adventure movie; it’s the real deal.
Ask our chatbot about the best adventure movies for families
The details are still emerging, but the 2028 date is locked. The story is rumored to follow an older Rick and Evie (fingers crossed Rachel Weisz is back, because we don't recognize any other Evie in this house) as they team up with their now-adult son, Alex, to face a new ancient threat.
Expect the same blend of supernatural horror, slapstick comedy, and genuine heart. The original films were unique because they weren't afraid to be actually scary, but they never lost their sense of fun. In a world of overly polished superhero movies, The Mummy 4 is looking to bring back that gritty, dusty, "everything is exploding" practical-effects feel.
Kids today are used to fast-paced, high-stakes content. While they might find the 1999 CGI a little "sus," the pacing of The Mummy franchise actually holds up incredibly well.
- The Monsters: Whether it’s mummies, scarabs, or ancient curses, the "cool factor" is high.
- The Humor: Brendan Fraser’s Rick O’Connell is the blueprint for the "competent but perpetually overwhelmed" hero. Kids find the physical comedy hilarious.
- The Family Dynamic: Unlike many modern movies where parents are either dead or incompetent, the O’Connells are a team. It’s a great "family vs. the world" vibe.
If you’re planning to prep for the 2028 release, you have to start here. It’s the gold standard. Ages 10+. The "scarab under the skin" scene is still the stuff of nightmares, and the scene where Imhotep takes a man's eyes and tongue is... a lot. But for most tweens, it’s the perfect "gateway horror" movie.
If your kids dig the archeology-meets-action vibe of The Mummy, this is the next logical step. It’s got that same father-son dynamic that we expect to see in the new Mummy sequel. Ages 9+. Classic adventure, minimal "brain rot," maximum fun.
For a more modern take on the treasure-hunting genre, Tom Holland’s Uncharted is a solid bridge. It doesn't have the soul of Brendan Fraser’s work, but it speaks the language of modern kids who grew up on the Uncharted game series. Ages 12+. It’s flashy, fast, and very "current."
Let’s talk about the "Scary Factor." The Mummy movies sit in that weird middle ground. They aren't "R-rated" terrifying, but they aren't Bluey either.
- The "Gross-Out" Factor: This is the biggest hurdle for younger kids. Flesh-eating beetles, rotting mummies, and ancient curses involve some body horror. If your kid is sensitive to "creepy crawlies," maybe wait until they’re 11 or 12.
- Action Violence: It’s heavy on gunplay, sword fighting, and explosions. However, it’s mostly bloodless "movie magic" violence.
- Romantic Themes: Rick and Evie have great chemistry, but it’s mostly "PG-rated" flirting and a few kisses. Nothing that will make you want to fast-forward while sitting on the couch with your 5th grader.
When you sit down to watch these with your kids, it’s worth explaining why everyone is so hyped about Brendan Fraser. In the 2020s, he became a symbol of resilience. He was a huge star, disappeared due to personal and health struggles, and then came back better than ever.
In a digital age where "cancel culture" and "clout chasing" are everywhere, Fraser is the ultimate "good guy." Sharing his story with your kids—how he was the action hero of our childhood and is now a respected veteran actor—is a pretty cool lesson in perseverance.
If your kid asks why you're so excited about a movie coming out in two years, use it as a way to bridge the generational gap.
- Ask them: "What's a character you love today that you'd want to see still doing cool stuff when you're my age?"
- Compare it to their games: If they play Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, point out the similarities in exploring ancient ruins and solving puzzles.
- Discuss the "Uncanny Valley": Watch the 1999 version and then the 2001 sequel (with the infamous Scorpion King CGI). It’s a hilarious and educational way to talk about how technology has changed since we were kids.
The Mummy 4 is more than just a movie; it’s a cultural moment for those of us who remember the pre-smartphone era. While we have a bit of a wait until 2028, now is the perfect time to introduce the O’Connell family to the next generation. It’s fun, it’s dusty, and it’s a great alternative to the "brain rot" content currently dominating their feeds.
Next Steps:
- Queue up The Mummy (1999) for your next family movie night.
- Keep an eye out for the first teaser trailers (likely dropping in late 2027).
- If they love the "ancient Egypt" vibe, check out National Geographic Kids for some actual history to balance out the Hollywood curses.