Back in the late '90s, Brendan Fraser was the man. After making the Paleolithic scene alongside Sean Astin and Pauly Shore for ENCINO MAN (1992), starring as David Green in director Robert Mandel's brutal drama SCHOOL TIES, and rocking out as Chazz for Michael Lehmann's AIRHEADS, Fraser soon boarded the beloved Mummy franchise for Universal Pictures. After starring in THE MUMMY, THE MUMMY RETURNS and THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR, Fraser established himself as a cocky yet endearing "everyman" actor. It was then that men and women alike had fallen for his keen comedic timing, dashing good looks, and willingness to embrace slapstick antics with unbridled gusto. Yup, things were definitely coming up Milhouse for Fraser during his Mummy days. Now I'd like you to fast-forward to today, to when we find the WITH HONORS actor saying that he'd be willing to star in another film set in the fan-favorite franchise.
Fraser recently spoke with the fine folk over at CinemaBlend, who asked if he would ever consider returning to his Mummy character, Rick O'Connell:
“Absolutely!” Fraser enthusiastically replied to the outlet. “Just gotta say, I know how hard it is to make that movie. I tried to do it three times, and the essential ingredient is fun. You gotta remember to have fun. So if there's a way to approach it, I'm all in.”
Universal might want to take note of Fraser's willingness to return to the Mummy franchise, seeing as their 2017 attempt to reboot the monster with Tom Cruise and Sofia Boutella was a complete non-starter. Here's the thing, though. If Universal is willing to entertain the idea of Fraser giving the series another go, they'd best look into Rachel Weisz's availability as well. Weisz starred alongside Fraser as Evelyn Carnahan in the first two Mummy films, but was replaced by Maria Bello for the third and final movie.
Recently while engaging in a Q&A at this year's Fan Expo Canada, Fraser talked fondly of his time with Weisz, which gave those in attendance the impression that he'd love to work with her again.
"Working with Rachel. It's Rachel fucking Weisz. She's wonderful, you know, if you're really impressed with talent and good humor. A belly laugh that could break a window," Fraser said of Weisz's talents.
What do you think of the idea of Fraser coming back to THE MUMMY franchise? Would you be game? Or do you think the idea needs to shamble back its sarcophagus and remain buried forever?