The upcoming film The Mummy 4 has garnered attention as directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett discuss the canonicity of Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. This third entry in the franchise, which saw a change in co-lead from Rachel Weisz to Maria Bello, received a mixed reception upon its release, leading to skepticism about the franchise's direction. With Weisz and Brendan Fraser now reuniting for the new installment set to release on May 19, 2028, the directors hint that the previous movie may not be relevant for fans revisiting the series. They suggest that if Rachel Weisz is involved, it might indicate a fresh start with a new narrative focus that doesn't rely heavily on the less popular third film, ensuring the beloved characters are brought back in an engaging way for fans. Bettinelli-Olpin confirmed that Fraser and Weisz were enthusiastic about the script, suggesting it holds promise.

Will Tomb of the Dragon Emperor be considered canon in The Mummy 4?

Based on the directors' statements, Tomb of the Dragon Emperor appears to be sidelined in terms of canonicity, as the return of original stars gives the implication that the new film will focus on the narrative established in the first two installments while offering a fresh start.

The Mummy franchise began with the 1999 film, which became a cultural phenomenon, blending action and humor with supernatural elements. Brendan Fraser's portrayal as Rick O'Connell and Rachel Weisz's performance as Evelyn O'Connell were met with acclaim, leading to a sequel, The Mummy Returns in 2001. The subsequent Tomb of the Dragon Emperor aimed to capitalize on this success but instead received a poor reception, prompting a reevaluation of the series. The upcoming Mummy 4 represents an exciting return to form for longtime fans.