Michael Johnston, fresh off the success of Obsession, is in early negotiations to join the cast of The Mummy sequel, confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter. If finalized, Johnston will join Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, who are reprising their roles from the 1990s and 2000s iterations of the Universal monster franchise.
Universal's Continuing Franchise
While Universal has not commented, the potential casting would mark Johnston’s continued collaboration with the studio. Obsession, which propelled Johnston to fame, was a production of Focus, Universal’s specialty label. The sequel to The Mummy is directed by Radio Silence, known for Scream and Ready or Not, with a release date set for October 15, 2027.
Johnston's Rise to Fame
Johnston's career trajectory shifted significantly post-Obsession, a $750,000 indie film that Focus acquired at the Toronto International Film Festival. The film grossed over $458 million globally, turning Johnston from an unknown actor into a rising star. Prior to this, he appeared in Teen Wolf, Slash, and Lionsgate’s Endangered Species. Post-Obsession, Johnston signed with Gersh.
Legacy of 'The Mummy'
The original The Mummy (1999) was co-written and directed by Stephen Sommers, starring Fraser and Weisz in a 1920s adventure. The duo returned for 2001's Mummy Returns, though Weisz did not participate in 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor. The upcoming film's script is by David Coggeshall, with Sean Daniel, a veteran of the franchise, returning as a producer.
Production Team
Alongside Daniel, producers include William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein of Project X, known for works like Nuremberg and the Scream franchise. Clayton Townsend will also produce, with Brendan Fraser and Hivemind's Jason F. Brown as executive producers. Johnston's representation includes Tash Moseley Management, Atlas Talent Agency for voiceover, and Narrative and Johnson Shapiro.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/obsession-star-michael-johnston-mummy-1236657591/
