A new chapter in Universal’s Mummy franchise is gaining momentum as filmmakers Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett — the directing team known collectively as Radio Silence — are reportedly set to helm the upcoming reboot/sequel, according to early industry reporting from outlets including Kotaku and TV Insider. The project marks the biggest shift for the series since the early 2000s and arrives as longtime fans rally behind the possibility of Brendan Fraser’s full return.
A Proven Genre Team
Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett have established themselves as standout voices in modern horror and adventure-thrillers. Their breakout hit Ready or Not earned widespread praise for its inventive blend of suspense, humor, and kinetic action. The pair later revitalized the Scream franchise with Scream (2022) and Scream VI (2023), demonstrating their ability to merge nostalgia with fresh storytelling.
Industry analysts note that their appointment signals a tonal shift: a potential return to the pulpy action-horror blend that made the 1999 Mummy film a global success, while introducing a sharper, more stylized edge typical of the Radio Silence approach.
Brendan Fraser: “Been Waiting 20 Years for This Call”
Reports indicate that Brendan Fraser, who portrayed iconic adventurer Rick O’Connell, is enthusiastic about rejoining the franchise. In a recent interview highlighted by TV Insider, Fraser said he had “been waiting 20 years for this call,” fueling speculation that his return is more than just a possibility.
Fans on social media have already expressed strong support for Fraser’s comeback, especially following his Academy Award-winning career resurgence and renewed public affection.
What We Know About the Project
While Universal has not yet issued a formal announcement, early reports suggest the film is being developed as both a spiritual continuation of the Fraser-led trilogy and a fresh creative direction under Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett.
Key expectations based on insider reports and franchise history include:
- A return to adventure-driven storytelling with significant practical effects
- A darker, faster-paced tone inspired by Radio Silence’s cinematic style
- Potential involvement of original cast members, though no one outside Fraser has been publicly tied to the project
- A storyline that leans back toward ancient-world mythology rather than the militarized tone of the 2017 reboot
If confirmed, this would mark the first major expansion of the original Mummy universe since 2008’s The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
Why the Radio Silence Duo Fits
Critics and industry analysts point to several reasons the pair are well-suited to revive the franchise:
- They balance genre thrills with character-driven humor, a cornerstone of Fraser’s films.
- Their experience with rebooting legacy franchises (Scream) shows they can update a beloved brand without alienating long-time fans.
- Their visual style — energetic, modern, and effects-focused — aligns with the globe-trotting adventure tone of classic Mummy storytelling.
A Franchise Ready for Rebirth
After years of stalled development and the critical disappointment of Universal’s 2017 reboot, the studio appears poised to reposition The Mummy as a marquee adventure franchise once again.
With Radio Silence guiding the vision — and Fraser signaling all-out enthusiasm — momentum is building for what could become one of Hollywood’s most anticipated returns.
