After years of rumors, false starts, and fan campaigns, Universal Pictures finally delivers a triumphant return to its beloved franchise with The Mummy: Curse of the Crescent Moon (2026). Brendan Fraser returns as the intrepid Rick O’Connell, joined once more by Rachel Weisz’s Evelyn Carnahan-O’Connell, and a surprise reprisal from Oded Fehr as the immortal warrior Ardeth Bay.
Set over 20 years after The Mummy Returns (2001), the story follows the now-retired O’Connells living quietly in 1950s London. But peace doesn’t last. Their son, Alex—now an archaeologist in his own right—disappears during an excavation in southern Turkey, near the ruins of an ancient temple once worshipped as the Tomb of the Crescent Moon. Legend says it holds a curse far older than Imhotep—a lunar deity who was imprisoned by Egyptian high priests for tampering with life and death.
The plot kicks into high gear when the O’Connells, reluctant but duty-bound, venture back into the world of curses, relics, and reanimated horrors. As the moon waxes, supernatural storms rage across Europe and the Middle East. Ancient guardians awaken, including a spectral army bound to the lunar god’s will.
What elevates this installment beyond mere nostalgia is its balance of character and chaos. Fraser still brings his signature charm and physicality, but now with a weariness that adds emotional depth. Weisz’s Evelyn has grown sharper and more commanding—a scholar and mother torn between protecting her family and preventing another world-ending disaster.
The cinematography is lush and vibrant, capturing golden deserts, moonlit ruins, and subterranean temples with rich detail. Practical effects blend seamlessly with CGI, making the film feel rooted in the tactile realism of its predecessors. The score nods to Jerry Goldsmith’s original themes while introducing eerie, celestial tones that reflect the moon-god mythology.
But it’s not all smooth sailing. The film occasionally leans too heavily into fan service, and Alex’s character arc—though essential—feels rushed compared to the rest. Still, moments between Rick, Evelyn, and Ardeth provide genuine emotion and earned stakes.
The third act delivers a satisfying blend of horror and heroism, with a final battle under a blood-red moon that is both epic and strangely beautiful. In the end, Curse of the Crescent Moon doesn’t just resurrect a franchise—it breathes new life into it.
