Tag: Universal Pictures

Will Stephen Sommers Return for The Mummy 4? Why His Huge Absence May Matter More Than Reuniting The Cast

As The Mummy 4 rises from development sands, the return of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz sparks hope. But whether Stephen Sommers returns may matter more than nostalgia, especially when tonal stewardship defines the franchise’s legacy.

The Mummy 4 PosterWith The Mummy 4 officially greenlit, there’s reason to celebrate. Rachel Weisz is confirmed to be reprising her role. And without Brendan Fraser, no continuation can take place. And for that, many fans are cheering, myself included. Also potentially on the roster is Oded Fehr. Although he is busy with Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, the hope is that he has interest in returning too. The release date of May 19, 2028!

But in what remains unclear is whether Stephen Sommers will be involved in any capacity. No further information has been made since the prior announcement. His two films were not just action spectacles, but also true pulp adventures. This director revived the spirit of the classics, and edged it towards classic Indiana Jones territory. They also had that sexiness and suave of those Doc Savage radio dramas. And in an era where Egypt was being discovered, danger can be hidden anywhere!

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The Best of Universal Pictures Home Video Releases (2025 Gift Guide)

Collage of Universal Pictures home video releasesAs the year winds down, Universal Pictures has quietly taken over my home video shelf. They’ve been releasing the titles I’m most eager to revisit, and when that includes their distribution work for DreamWorks, it’s an added bonus. What follows is a look at the releases that earned a place in my collection for one reason or another. I’ll begin with a title that hasn’t hit home media yet, but I’m already excited for it.

Bugonia

Bugonia Blu-ray cover art

This UFO-tinged conspiracy adventure is set to be a treat for anyone who missed its limited theatrical run. The story follows two people who kidnap the CEO of a pharmaceutical company because they believe he’s an alien bent on destroying Earth. The odyssey that follows has the spirit of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, but flipped on its head. Whether the planet survives is part of the fun.

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The Mummy 4-Ever? But Will It Be the Legendary One Fans Remember?

Brendan Fraser & the Radio Silence crew are on board for The Mummy 4, but details remain buried in the sand. With #Blumhouse’s 2026 take, @UniversalPics’ version might be cursed by a classic case of “who’s on second?” #TheMummy

The Mummy 4 and TrilogyGood news, Mummy fans—Stephen Sommers’ adventure classic might just rise from its sarcophagus once more. While Arnold Vosloo’s return as Imhotep isn’t guaranteed, Brendan Fraser and the Radio Silence duo are on board. Fraser told Variety he’s open to revisiting Rick O’Connell “with the right script,” and that’s the key phrase. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett will direct, and David Coggeshall is developing the screenplay. Just how complete that script is remains unknown until pre-production officially begins.

Unconfirmed is if Rachel Weisz is truly on board. She’s had a brilliant life outside of Hollywood with independent productions like The Whistleblower and Disobedience. She made a step back into higher profile roles like Melina Vostokoff in Black Widow. Talks are indeed happening. The biggest factor in seeing the couple return is that both are adamant about a good script! And without Jonathan (John Hannah), the comic relief, the odds are 50-50 to greenlight it. I can’t see a movie working without this rogue in tow.

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Even at 50 Years Later, Jaws Will Make You Afraid of Going to the Beach (Again) For The Special Events Taking Place

When this week and next is filled with lots of Jaws related celebrations, is it really safe?

Jaws 50th Anniversary Release
Now available to purchase on Amazon USA

Jaws has another re-release on home video, and when this year celebrates this movie’s golden jubilee, perhaps it’s okay to go to the beaches of Amity Island, New York again. This seminal hit from Universal Studios made some folks afraid back in the day, and Bruce can be found on display at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

What’s special about this anniversary edition is the new documentary included, titled “Jaws @ 50: The Definitive Inside Story.” The video transfer is the same as the prior 4K release, and there is also a Steelbook edition. Both releases contains over five hours of bonus features, including deleted scenes, outtakes, “The Making of Jaws” documentary, “Jaws: The Restoration,” and “The Shark is Still Working: The Impact and Legacy of Jaws.”

As for just how good this recent addition is, I would say it’s finally worth adding to the home video collection. Without it, I would not be looking at filling in the “one day I’ll buy” bucket list. Yes, I’m one who hasn’t bothered to pick up prior releases, and that’s because it’s not a film high on my priority list to own.

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How To Train Your Dragon – Weighing in on the Good and The Bad With The Remake. It’s Never As Intense The Second Time Around.

As beloved How To Train Your Dragon is for long-time fans, this one gets the attention of today’s kids rather than appease those who grew up following the original.

How to Train Your Dragon 2025 Movie PosterMy theory on why a live-action version of How to Train Your Dragon exists is that DreamWorks Animation/Universal doesn’t want to lose their license to this profitable franchise. Rebooting the series with a live-action adaptation, rather than letting it go, makes business sense.

As a fan of the original series—and having covered it extensively—I still find it hard to accept a new actor playing Hiccup. Mason Thames does a decent job in the role, and Gerard Butler is excellent as Stoick, a role he seems born to play. However, the supporting cast doesn’t capture the humor and charm I loved in the animated versions.

For instance, Fishlegs’ (Julian Dennison) relationship with Hiccup feels less defined. Snotlout (Gabriel Howell) doesn’t provoke Hiccup as much, and The Twins (Bronwyn James as Ruffnut and Harry Trevaldwyn as Tuffnut Thorston) come across differently. While the performers are competent, their roles lack the comedic impact and screen time of their animated counterparts. As for Astrid, Nico Parker doesn’t quite match the fiery presence America Ferrera brought to the role.

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Here’s Everything Viewers Need To Know Before Jurassic World Chaos Theory Season Three Arrives

This recap covers everything viewers need to know before watching the next season of Jurassic World Chaos Theory tomorrow.

Jurassic World Chaos Theory Poster Coming to Netflix April 3, 2025

Just what fans of Jurassic World Chaos Theory need to recall is that the gang has one less member. Brooklynn is working with Santos, the enemy, and to keep her friends safe, she must cut ties with her past.

Although this series beginning sets up the belief where she was dead, this young former Vtuber has been alive all this time. She’s been undercover to find out who has been trafficking dinosaurs. After achieving some success, she must go further down the rabbit hole! It’s about time; the movies never went deep into what Biosyn Genetics wants to do with genetically modified dinosaurs.

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