LOS ANGELES: Universal Pictures has officially confirmed that John Hannah will reprise his role as Jonathan Carnahan in the highly anticipated fourth instalment of The Mummy franchise.
He is set to reunite with original co-stars Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, reviving one of the most beloved adventure film casts of the late 1990s and early 2000s.
Hannah’s character, Jonathan Carnahan—brother to Evelyn and brother-in-law to Rick O’Connell—became a fan favourite for his comic timing and charm, serving as the comedic backbone of the original trilogy.
The sequel, tentatively titled The Mummy 4, was officially confirmed last month following weeks of speculation, marking nearly two decades since the release of The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.
In that film, Jonathan was last seen managing a nightclub in Shanghai, hinting at his continued knack for finding trouble in exotic locations.
Earlier this year, Hannah revealed he had not yet been formally approached for the project but expressed enthusiasm about returning.
Speaking to RadioTimes, he said he had followed the rumours closely and would welcome the chance to reunite with the original cast, describing the experience as “fun” and nostalgic.
Reflecting on his early days with the franchise, Hannah admitted he initially hesitated to take on the role, questioning whether it aligned with his image as a serious actor.
However, he later embraced the films’ broad appeal, acknowledging their status as entertaining, family-friendly adventures that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Now, with development underway, the franchise appears to be coming full circle.
The Mummy 4 is currently in early production and is tentatively scheduled for release in 2028.
So far, Hannah, Fraser, and Weisz are the only confirmed cast members, though there are indications that Fraser is actively working behind the scenes to bring back more original stars for the revival.
