Brendan Fraser is back: from Mummy star to emotional comeback (and yes, that School Ties DVD is resurfacing)
These days, when you talk about Brendan Fraser, you only need to glance at the streaming figures. The Mummy and The Mummy Returns have absolutely exploded on HBO Max again — and it's not just because we all fancied a bit of nostalgia. The action, the chemistry with Rachel Weisz, and that wonderful self-deprecating humour of Fraser's: it's pure gold. And honestly? It feels like the world is finally ready to embrace Brendan Fraser once more.
A fourth Mummy? The rumour mill is in full swing
Naturally, whispers about a new desert adventure have immediately started circulating. Apparently, talks have already taken place — yes, involving the original directors. Just imagine: Rick and Evelyn (because Rachel Weisz would have to be there, right?) cracking open another tomb after all these years. I say: bring it on. Fraser has the experience, the charisma and that vulnerable look he's been deploying so effectively lately. That makes him even more compelling as an action hero now.
From School Ties to prestige drama
Before he saved the world from Imhotep, Fraser was already taking on more serious roles. Take School Ties from 1992, for instance. Directed by Robert Mandel (Mandel (DIR)), he played a Jewish quarterback at an elite school — a role that showed he was capable of more than just being a likable guy. The film received a solid PG-rating (cert PG) and proved Fraser had depth. It was released on DVD in 2003 and has remained a cult classic. Around the same period, he worked with Frances O'Connor in The Quiet American — an underrated gem where he held his own alongside Michael Caine. O'Connor and Fraser shared a quiet, intense chemistry that's hard to forget.
Why we're only now seeing his true strength
Something has shifted in recent years. People are no longer just praising his physical presence in blockbusters, but also his vulnerability. Fraser has spoken openly about the setbacks in his career and personal life, and it has brought him closer to the audience. It's as if we've suddenly realised: hey, this guy hasn't just climbed pyramids, he's also walked through some deep valleys. And he's still standing.
- The Mummy trilogy — the ultimate adventure films with Rachel Weisz.
- School Ties (1992) — his breakthrough as a serious actor, directed by Robert Mandel.
- The Quiet American (2002) — with Frances O'Connor and Michael Caine, a political drama that gets under your skin.
- Encino Man — okay, not his most highbrow work, but iconic nonetheless.
What now?
With The Mummy enjoying a revival on streaming services and the constant demand for more Fraser, the door is wide open. Whether it's a fourth Mummy movie or another emotional project — we're looking forward to everything he does. And if you've still got that old School Ties DVD lying around somewhere, it's time to dust it off. Because Brendan Fraser is back, and he's far from finished.