AceShowbiz - The directors of The Mummy 4 have confirmed the upcoming film’s rating and teased plans to intensify the level of violence while maintaining a PG-13 classification. The new installment, set to hit theaters in May 2028, will continue the legacy of the franchise established by the original trilogy starring Brendan Fraser from 1999 to 2008.

Universal Pictures entrusted Radio Silence duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for their work on Ready or Not 2: Here I Come and two recent Scream movies, with directing duties for this next chapter. In an interview with Inverse, the pair revealed that they are targeting a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association (MPA), consistent with the rating of the earlier Mummy films featuring Fraser.

Tyler Gillett explained their intention to "push the boundaries" of the PG-13 rating. He stated, "We're going to find the edge, and I'm sure we'll step over the line and then we'll be told to walk it back." Gillett also emphasized their willingness to "take some risks" with the film’s content, hinting at exciting and daring elements without specifying exact details.

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin confirmed the film will officially carry the PG-13 rating, aligning with the franchise's tradition of delivering accessible yet thrilling adventure movies. The original trilogy collectively grossed over $1 billion worldwide and featured PG-13 ratings due to adventure action, violence, and in the case of the first film, partial nudity. Even related entries like Tom Cruise’s 2017 reboot and the Scorpion King spinoff maintained PG-13 ratings for similar content.

It is notable that all previous films directed by Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett have been rated R, including Devil’s Due, Southbound, Ready or Not, and the recent Scream installments. Their work on The Mummy 4 marks a new challenge in crafting a film aimed at a PG-13 audience, balancing intense thrills with broader accessibility.

Joining the directing team are screenwriter David Coggeshall and producers Sean Daniel, William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein, Jason F. Brown, Denis Stewart, Jay Polidoro, and Jacqueline Garell. In addition to reprising his role as adventurer Rick O’Connell, Brendan Fraser will serve as an executive producer on the project, further cementing his involvement in revitalizing the franchise.

Rachel Weisz will also return as Evelyn Carnahan, reuniting with Fraser after her absence from the third film, The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor, where the role was portrayed by Maria Bello. This reunion of original cast members is expected to delight fans of the earlier movies while introducing new elements under the guidance of the new directors.

While The Mummy 4 aims for a PG-13 rating, it faces competition from another upcoming Mummy film produced by Warner Bros., directed by Lee Cronin, scheduled for release on April 17, 2026. This separate project appears to lean more heavily into horror, potentially earning an R rating according to early indications from its trailer.

The upcoming Mummy sequel is set to premiere on May 19, 2028, promising a blend of adventure and fantasy consistent with the franchise’s roots but with a fresh creative vision. The production team is poised to deliver a film that respects the legacy of the previous entries while pushing the envelope on violence and thematic intensity within the constraints of a PG-13 rating.

Fans can expect a movie that balances excitement and accessibility, maintaining the spirit of the beloved series with daring new risks. The involvement of Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett, whose past work has demonstrated a flair for tension and horror, suggests that The Mummy 4 will feature some of the most intense moments the franchise has seen while staying within a family-friendly rating.

With the return of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz, the creative vision set by the new directing team, and studio support, The Mummy 4 aims to reignite enthusiasm for the adventure franchise. Audiences eager for thrilling action combined with supernatural elements can anticipate a bold new chapter in this enduring cinematic saga.