The Mummy 4: John Hannah Returns as Jonathan Carnahan for 2028 Adventure
John Hannah's beloved Jonathan Carnahan makes his franchise comeback after 20 years, with Radio Silence directing a globe-trotting adventure filmed in London and Morocco. The wise-cracking tomb raider returns 19 May 2028.
John Hannah officially returns as Jonathan Carnahan in The Mummy 4, which opens in theatres worldwide on 19 May 2028. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the beloved wise-cracking thief will reunite with the franchise after a 20-year gap, bringing his signature charm to a new adventure under Radio Silence's direction.
Key Takeaways
- John Hannah reprises Jonathan Carnahan in The Mummy 4, opening May 19, 2028.
- Radio Silence's Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett direct from David Coggeshall's script.
- Filming begins this fall in London and Morocco for the Universal Pictures production.
- Jonathan returns as Evelyn's unscrupulous brother after 16 years since his last appearance.
- The film will be available in UAE cinemas alongside the global theatrical release.
What makes Jonathan Carnahan such a fan favourite?
Jonathan Carnahan is the unscrupulous, excitable brother of Rachel Weisz's Evelyn O'Connell — a character who perfectly balanced comic relief with genuine heart. Hannah's portrayal turned what could have been a throwaway sidekick into one of the franchise's most memorable elements. He's the wise-cracking thief always working an angle, looking to abscond with something valuable during tomb-raiding adventures with his sister Evy and her husband Rick O'Connell (Brendan Fraser).
In our view, Jonathan's appeal lies in his relatability — he's the ordinary person thrown into extraordinary circumstances, reacting exactly how most of us would. While Rick handles monsters with heroic stoicism, Jonathan provides the human perspective we all recognise.
Who's directing The Mummy 4 and why that matters?
Radio Silence's Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are directing The Mummy 4, bringing their horror expertise from Ready or Not and Scream 6 to the adventure franchise. This creative choice could inject fresh energy into the series, blending adventure with stronger suspense elements that made the original films work so well.
We think this directorial pairing could modernise The Mummy whilst honouring its nostalgic roots. Their track record suggests they understand how to balance thrills with character development — exactly what this franchise needs after the Tom Cruise reboot attempt. David Coggeshall (The Family Plan) writes the script, suggesting a focus on family dynamics that made the original trilogy compelling.
When and where will filming take place?
According to The Hollywood Reporter, The Mummy 4 begins shooting this fall in London and Morocco. These locations echo the original films' blend of urban and exotic desert settings, suggesting the new adventure will maintain the franchise's signature globe-trotting appeal.
Morocco particularly makes sense for a Mummy film — its landscapes provided authentic backdrops for countless adventure films. Combined with London's production facilities, this setup indicates Universal is investing properly in the project's visual scope.
What's John Hannah been up to since The Mummy?
Hannah has kept busy since 2008's The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, with notable roles across television and streaming. He played Quintus Lentulus Batiatus in Spartacus: Blood and Sand and Gods of the Arena, then appeared as Holden Radcliffe in Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
More recently, he's appeared in episodes of The Last of Us and Black Mirror, proving his range beyond adventure films. His varied work suggests he'll bring renewed depth to Jonathan whilst maintaining the character's essential charm. Fans will find his return particularly satisfying given how the character disappeared from the franchise after the third film.
Will The Mummy 4 reach UAE cinemas?
The Mummy 4's 19 May 2028 global release will include UAE cinemas, continuing Universal's pattern of simultaneous worldwide releases for major franchises. UAE audiences can expect the film alongside upcoming blockbusters without regional delays.
The film will likely receive standard classification from the National Media Council, similar to previous Mummy entries. Given the directors' horror background, some sequences might push towards PG-13 territory, but the family-adventure tone should remain intact for UAE audiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is returning for The Mummy 4?
John Hannah returns as Jonathan Carnahan, the wise-cracking brother of Evelyn O'Connell. No other original cast members have been officially confirmed yet.
When is The Mummy 4 release date?
The Mummy 4 is scheduled to open in theatres worldwide on 19 May 2028, including UAE cinemas on the same date.
Who is directing The Mummy 4?
Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett from Radio Silence are directing. They're known for horror films like Ready or Not and Scream 6.
Will Rachel Weisz return as Evelyn?
Rachel Weisz's return hasn't been officially confirmed. Only John Hannah has been announced to reprise his role as her character's brother.
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