Rachel Weisz Returns as Evie in 'The Mummy 4' as Fans Declare 'The Only Sequel' They Accept

Rachel Weisz is officially back as Evelyn 'Evie' O'Connell, and the first photos from The Mummy 4 have sent longtime fans into a frenzy. More than two decades after Weisz last appeared as the adventurous Egyptologist opposite Brendan Fraser, her return has prompted an especially strong reaction from fans who have never quite embraced the franchise's 2008 follow-up.

Weisz has been photographed filming the new sequel in London, dressed in a 1940s-inspired outfit while carrying a camera and leather briefcase. The images mark her first appearance as Evie since 2001's The Mummy Returns.

Rachel Weisz Is Back as Evie

The new images offer the clearest look yet at Weisz's return to the role that helped make Evie one of the most recognisable characters in the original Mummy films.

In the upcoming film, she reunites with Fraser, who is returning as adventurer Rick O'Connell. Their on-screen reunion has been one of the biggest selling points of the new sequel, particularly because the pair have not appeared together in the franchise since The Mummy Returns.

The film is being directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the filmmaking team behind Ready or Not and the recent Scream films, from a screenplay by David Coggeshall. Plot details remain largely secret.

Fans Call It the Real Follow-Up to 'The Mummy Returns'

The biggest reaction to the new images has come from fans who immediately treated Weisz's return as a restoration of the original franchise formula.

Online discussions have included jokes that there was 'never' a third Mummy film, while others have described the new project as a long-awaited return to the version of the franchise they actually wanted. A Reddit discussion about the first set photos included comments celebrating the return of 'peak Evelyn Carnahan' and others joking that the third film should simply be ignored.

That reaction is particularly notable because The Mummy 4 has officially been positioned as a continuation that leaves the 2008 film outside its continuity. The directors confirmed earlier this year that The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor is not considered canon to the new story.

Why Did Maria Bello Replace Rachel Weisz?

Weisz did not return for 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, with Maria Bello taking over the role of Evelyn.

At the time, Weisz cited issues with the script and the fact that she had recently given birth to her son as factors in her decision not to return. The film continued with Rick and Evelyn's family but introduced a different version of the character.

For fans who strongly associate Evie with Weisz, the recasting became one of the defining differences between the original films and the 2008 sequel.

The new movie effectively removes that problem by bringing Weisz back alongside Fraser.

The Original Rick and Evie Are Finally Reuniting

Fraser previously teased that the new movie would involve getting the original 'band' back together, with Weisz and other familiar faces returning.

John Hannah is back as Jonathan Carnahan, while Oded Fehr and Kevin J. O'Connor are also returning as Ardeth Bay and Beni Gabor. Arnold Vosloo has also been reported to return as Imhotep, although details surrounding his role remain under wraps.

The combination of returning actors has made the film feel less like another reboot and more like a continuation of the version of The Mummy that fans remember.

Fans Are Getting the Nostalgia They Wanted

The new film is currently scheduled for release on 15 October 2027, after its release date was moved forward from 2028.

For now, the first set photos have already accomplished something the filmmakers likely hoped for: they have reminded audiences why the original pairing of Fraser and Weisz became so beloved.

Whether The Mummy 4 can recreate the adventure, humour and chemistry of the first two films remains to be seen. But with Weisz once again stepping into Evie's shoes, many fans appear to have already made their feelings clear. If this is the sequel that brings Rick and Evie back together, they are more than ready to return to the tombs.