Brendan Fraser’s resurgence continues, and this time, he’s bringing back some familiar faces. Universal Pictures is assembling the cast for a new installment in The Mummy franchise, and John Hannah is officially returning to the adventure. The news confirms Hannah will reprise his role alongside Fraser and Rachel Weisz, reigniting a dynamic that captivated audiences at the turn of the millennium.
The project, aimed at revitalizing the beloved horror-adventure series, is being helmed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the directing duo behind the recent Scream films and Ready or Not. This new Mummy film represents a significant investment in the franchise, with a planned release date of May 19, 2028, and principal photography slated to begin this fall in London and Morocco.
Reuniting the Band: Hannah Returns as Jonathan Carnahan
Hannah is well-known to fans of the original Mummy films for his portrayal of Jonathan Carnahan, the opportunistic and often-scheming brother of Weisz’s character, Evelyn “Evy” Carnahan. His character provided a consistent source of comic relief and, despite his self-serving nature, often proved crucial to Fraser’s Rick O’Connell and Evy’s success. Hannah appeared in all three films of the original run – 1999’s The Mummy, 2001’s The Mummy Returns, and 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor – while Weisz’s involvement concluded after the second installment. The dynamic between the three actors was a key component of the original films’ appeal.
The return of Hannah adds another layer of nostalgia to the project, signaling a deliberate effort to connect with the fanbase of the original films. The studio is clearly banking on the established chemistry between Fraser, Weisz, and Hannah to draw audiences back into the world of ancient curses and thrilling expeditions.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Team and Production Details
David Coggeshall, whose writing credits include The Family Plan and Orphan: First Kill, penned the script for the new Mummy film. Producing the film is Sean Daniel, who was involved with the original trilogy alongside his late partner James Jacks. Joining Daniel are William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein of Project X Entertainment, the production company behind films like Abigail and the recent Scream installments. Hivemind’s Jason F. Brown and Brendan Fraser are too serving as executive producers.
Universal is also planning a theatrical rerelease of The Mummy Returns on March 27, 2026, to commemorate the film’s 25th anniversary. This move is a strategic effort to build anticipation for the new installment and remind audiences of the franchise’s enduring appeal.
John Hannah: A Versatile Career
Beyond his role in The Mummy franchise, John Hannah boasts a prolific career spanning decades. He gained widespread recognition for his performance in the 1994 romantic comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral. More recently, he’s appeared in popular television series such as Starz’s Spartacus, Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., and HBO’s The Last of Us, as well as the anthology series Black Mirror. Hannah is represented by Artist’s Rights Group and Felker Toczek.
The casting of Hannah is a strong indicator that this new Mummy film will attempt to recapture the spirit of the original movies while introducing a fresh narrative for a modern audience. The combination of a proven directorial team, a returning cast, and a nostalgic rerelease suggests a carefully planned strategy to revive a classic franchise.
As production nears, further details regarding the plot and supporting cast are expected to emerge. The May 2028 release date provides ample time for development and post-production, allowing the filmmakers to deliver a polished and thrilling addition to The Mummy legacy.
What are your thoughts on John Hannah rejoining Brendan Fraser for the new Mummy film? Share your excitement and predictions in the comments below.
