‘The Mummy’ Newcomer Michael Johnston Shuts Down the Biggest Fan Theory About His Role

Few franchises inspire as much affection as ‘The Mummy‘. The swashbuckling adventures of Rick and Evie O’Connell blended humor, romance and monster mayhem in a way that still feels distinctive more than two decades later. So when Universal announced that Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz were returning, fans were thrilled.

Casting news quickly followed, and it set off a wave of speculation. In late July, reports revealed that Michael Johnston, the breakout star of the horror hit ‘Obsession’ and a former ‘Teen Wolf’ actor, was in talks to join the film. His role was kept under wraps, but fans had a ready-made guess: Alex, the O’Connells’ son.

The theory made sense on paper, which is why it spread so fast. Alex was 8 years old in ‘The Mummy Returns’, and the new film takes place roughly three decades later, while Johnston is 30. But the actor has now set the record straight. Speaking to Attitude in his cover interview, Johnston confirmed he is not playing Rick and Evie’s son.

Johnston said his role is a new character, though the film is returning to the original formula. “Rick and Evie are back,” he added, promising the movie will feel just like that first film. That’s a strong hint about the tone Universal is aiming for.

It also suggests the studio isn’t looking to reinvent the series. The 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise failed to launch a shared monster universe, so this return to the O’Connells’ adventures reads as a course correction. The new film also reportedly ignores the events of ‘The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor’, in which Weisz did not appear.

Johnston admitted he was initially skeptical about the project, but his attitude changed when he learned Radio Silence was involved. The filmmaking duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett are behind ‘Ready or Not’ and the recent ‘Scream’ films, and they also made ‘Abigail’ with Universal. After reading the script, Johnston said his first thought was that the fans are going to love it.

That’s an encouraging reaction from someone who has seen the pages. It also matches what Fraser has said about the project, which he reportedly described as the film he’s wanted to make for nearly two decades. For a franchise built on nostalgia, that kind of enthusiasm helps.

Johnston also gave a taste of the physical side of the shoot. He said he was working with the stunt team and found himself surprised at what they were letting him do, and that he’s taking boxing lessons to prepare. He described the film as honest to the original, with fights, chases and running through the streets.

That promise of old-school adventure is central to the franchise’s appeal. The original films mixed slapstick comedy with large-scale action, and they thrived on Fraser and Weisz’s chemistry. If the sequel can capture that balance, it could satisfy longtime fans while attracting a new audience.

The new ‘Mummy’ film is set for release on October 15, 2027, a date moved up from its earlier May 2028 slot. Radio Silence is directing from a script by David Coggeshall, and Sean Daniel, who produced the earlier films, is back as a producer. Fraser is also an executive producer.

Weisz returns as Evelyn, and John Hannah is also set to come back as Jonathan Carnahan. Plot details are still being kept secret, and Universal has said little about the story. That secrecy is part of why Johnston’s character has become such a talking point.

With the Alex theory off the table, the question of who Johnston is playing is now wide open. His comments suggest the character isn’t directly tied to the O’Connell family, but that leaves plenty of room for other possibilities. A new ally, a rival or a young adventurer drawn into Rick and Evie’s world would all be plausible.

For fans, that uncertainty adds to the anticipation. The film has been in the works for years, and every new detail gets picked apart. Johnston has given just enough to keep people guessing.

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