The Mummy franchise is gearing up for a much-anticipated fourth installment, and many believe that bringing back Dwayne Johnson’s Scorpion King could be the key to revitalizing the series. After years of dormancy, the new The Mummy 4, starring Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, is in development, reigniting hope for loyal fans. The involvement of Dwayne Johnson in the Scorpion King role might address past missteps while adding fresh energy to the franchise.
How The Mummy 4 Can Correct Earlier Franchise Errors by Revisiting the Scorpion King
The original The Mummy series faded into relative silence for several years, but excitement surged when a fourth film was announced, promising the return of Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell. Fans remember that The Mummy Returns in 2001 introduced Dwayne Johnson as the Scorpion King, marking his first major film role. Though he went on to star in a separate Scorpion King spin-off in 2002, Johnson exited the series after that inaugural film to pursue more dramatic roles.
Rumors now suggest Johnson could rejoin the franchise, possibly portraying the Scorpion King as a central antagonist. This would correct one of the franchise’s most notable oversights: despite being promoted as a significant villain in The Mummy Returns, Johnson’s character was limited to a brief opening scene before becoming an unconvincing CGI monster during the climax. This visual downgrade diminished the impact of his character and wasted Johnson’s screen presence.
By reinstating the human form of the Scorpion King and positioning him as a primary foe in The Mummy 4, filmmakers could repair this narrative flaw. Additionally, this pairing would finally bring Brendan Fraser and Dwayne Johnson together onscreen, a moment fans have long awaited considering their real-life friendship. Previously, their characters never shared significant screen time, as Fraser’s Rick defeated Mathayus, the Scorpion King, after he had turned into a digital creature.
Providing Closure for the Scorpion King Story Through Johnson’s Return
While many might assume that The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor (2008) was the last chapter in the franchise, the truth is that the Scorpion King series continued long after. The most recent spin-off, The Scorpion King: Book of Souls, was released in 2018 as the fifth entry in the secondary series. Other actors who took on the role of Mathayus—the Scorpion King—include Michael Copon, Victor Webster, and Zack McGowan, each depicting different segments of the character’s life such as his rise to power.
It is unusual that the spin-offs about the Scorpion King outnumber the main Mummy films while failing to redeem or complete his character arc satisfactorily. In The Mummy Returns, Rick O’Connell kills Mathayus, condemning him to the underworld, which led the subsequent spin-offs to focus mostly on prequel stories about his origins as a merciless ruler. Bringing Johnson back as the original Scorpion King actor would allow the franchise to finally tie up his story properly.
This return could serve both as a tribute to Johnson’s role in launching the franchise’s success and as a compelling conclusion for Mathayus’s narrative within the larger Mummy universe. Despite the more limited recognition of the spin-offs, they evidently garnered enough enthusiasm to sustain multiple sequels, proving the character’s enduring fanbase. A final chapter featuring Johnson might restore full circle significance and connect the disparate storylines meaningfully.
Dwayne Johnson’s Openness to Returning for The Mummy 4
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly in December 2025, Dwayne Johnson hinted that he remains open to appearing in the new installment, though he stopped short of a firm commitment. He expressed deep appreciation for the franchise that started his career and conveyed a strong desire to collaborate with Brendan Fraser again, highlighting their mutual support and friendship.
To be clear, that is Brendan Fraser’s franchise. I love that man. He’s one of my greatest supporters. We support each other. And if they want to call the Scorpion King, I know a guy who knows a guy. I would certainly consider it. Because that franchise changed my life.
— Dwayne Johnson, Actor
Producers would undoubtedly welcome Johnson’s involvement, even if only as a cameo, because his global star power would enhance anticipation and audience interest. Although many details about The Mummy 4 remain under wraps, Johnson’s potential return as the Scorpion King offers a promising direction to right past franchise missteps and elevate the storyline.
A Brief History of The Mummy Franchise and Its Key Players
The Mummy series, centered on resurrected ancient mummies and the heroes combating supernatural threats, originated with the 1932 classic film. The franchise was reinvigorated in 1999 with a Stephen Sommers-directed reboot that combined action, horror, and adventure, featuring Brendan Fraser as Rick O’Connell and Arnold Vosloo as the dreaded mummy Imhotep. This modern classic led to sequels, spin-offs like The Scorpion King, and a 2017 reboot aimed at launching Universal’s Dark Universe, which ultimately failed to establish a new franchise wave.
Brendan Fraser’s return in The Mummy 4 maintains continuity with the beloved reboot era, while Rachel Weisz reprises her role as Evelyn Carnahan, adding depth and familiarity to the story. Their characters have been central to the franchise’s identity, drawing fans back through each installment.
Meanwhile, the Scorpion King spin-offs have explored multiple portrayals of the character Mathayus. Michael Copon played him in The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior, Victor Webster took on the role in Battle for Redemption and Quest for Power, and Zack McGowan portrayed him in Book of Souls. Despite multiple entries, none provided a proper resolution to the character’s trajectory, leaving room for Johnson’s original Scorpion King to return and close the loop.
What The Mummy 4 Means for the Franchise’s Future
The development of The Mummy 4 signals a potential resurgence for a franchise that has faced uneven fortunes over the years. Bringing Dwayne Johnson’s Scorpion King back could restore some of the action and depth the series has lacked, addressing long-standing criticisms and reuniting iconic faces. Johnson’s involvement would also bridge the main franchise and the spin-offs, creating a more cohesive universe.
If executed well, this new entry could rekindle fan interest, attract new viewers, and set the stage for possible sequels or shared cinematic projects within the supernatural adventure genre. The strong chemistry and friendship between Brendan Fraser and Dwayne Johnson add a compelling behind-the-scenes element that could translate into captivating on-screen dynamics.
As filming progresses and more information becomes available, audiences will watch closely to see whether The Mummy 4 fulfills its promise and redeems past shortcomings, potentially saving the franchise by embracing its roots and star power.
