Ancient Evil, Modern Threats, and a Christmas Nightmare. The Mummy franchise returns with an epic new chapter in The Mummy 4 – Curse of Christmas Returns (2026), combining thrilling action, dark fantasy, and a chilling holiday twist. Directed by Alex Kurtzman (The Mummy, Star Trek), this film brings back the iconic duo of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz as Rick and Evelyn O’Connell, alongside an ensemble cast featuring Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Oded Fehr, and John Hannah. With a story set against the backdrop of Christmas, The Curse of Christmas Returns takes the O’Connells on their most dangerous adventure yet — one that pits them against an ancient curse and a resurrected evil from the past, bringing a new level of horror to the holiday season.
Years after their thrilling adventures in Egypt and China, Rick and Evelyn O’Connell are living a quiet life in London. Now with a son, Alex O’Connell (played by Luke Ford), who has grown into a renowned archaeologist, the O’Connells are hoping for a peaceful and uneventful Christmas. But peace is not meant to last in the O’Connell family’s world. When a rare, 3,000-year-old relic — The Star of Osiris — is revealed during a royal Christmas exhibition at Westminster Abbey, ancient forces are unknowingly set in motion. Legend says the Star of Osiris should never be awakened during the winter solstice, as it holds the power to bring forth an ancient and vengeful spirit.
The relic, which is part of a ceremonial peace offering, is placed on an ancient altar during the Christmas peace ceremony. But as soon as it is activated, something goes horribly wrong. The bells at Westminster Abbey fall silent, and snow begins to fall upwards, swirling in unnatural patterns. The air chills, and a dark presence stirs beneath the earth. Queen Anck-Su-Namun (played by Sofia Boutella), the deadly and beautiful spirit that once terrorized the O’Connell family, is resurrected in a form more powerful than ever. This time, her powers are linked to the curse of winter itself, and she brings with her a plague of the undead that sweeps across Europe, resurrecting ancient mummies and warriors to do her bidding.
As London plunges into chaos with an army of undead rising in the streets, the O’Connells must reunite with old allies to stop the ancient evil once and for all. Oded Fehr reprises his role as Ardeth Bay, the Egyptian Medjai warrior, who once fought alongside the O’Connells to stop Imhotep. Together with John Hannah‘s character, Jonathan Carnahan, they form an unlikely but determined team to fight back against the curse that threatens to engulf the world in a never-ending winter. The ancient spirits are unleashed, their reach extending beyond London to terrorize the rest of Europe, with the undead haunting every snow-covered street and fortress.
The Mummy 4: Curse of Christmas Returns delves deep into dark fantasy, blending mythic themes with high-stakes action. The haunting presence of Queen Anck-Su-Namun is felt throughout the film as she seeks to use the Star of Osiris to unlock her full powers and bring about an eternal winter that will wipe out humanity. The combination of her dark magic and the undead plague forms an overwhelming threat, forcing the O’Connells to confront their greatest fears once more.
Brendan Fraser’s Rick O’Connell is back as the fearless, wise-cracking adventurer, but this time, he faces a much more personal battle as he confronts the ghosts of his past. The film explores his evolution from the daring treasure hunter to a father desperate to protect his son and family. Rachel Weisz’s Evelyn O’Connell is equally strong, bringing both intelligence and determination to the fight, as she once again becomes the glue that holds the family together while unearthing ancient knowledge to stop the curse.
Sofia Boutella‘s portrayal of Anck-Su-Namun is chilling, as the character is no longer the mere seductress of the original films. This time, Anck-Su-Namun is a malevolent, god-like being capable of manipulating the elements themselves. Her resurrection as a powerful, winter-infused villain adds an eerie twist to the holiday setting, making the undead an even more terrifying threat.
The film’s action sequences are packed with breathtaking moments, including daring rooftop chases through snow-covered London, underground tombs filled with traps and undead enemies, and explosive confrontations that see the O’Connells fighting not just for their lives but for the future of humanity itself. The combination of swashbuckling action and supernatural horror creates a thrilling ride from beginning to end.
The visuals of The Mummy 4 are spectacular, with a unique blend of holiday-themed settings and dark, supernatural imagery. The contrast between the festive, snow-covered streets of London and the haunting, undead armies is striking, creating a vivid world where the warmth of Christmas is constantly threatened by the coldness of the ancient curse. The film’s winter setting adds a sense of isolation and urgency, with the characters racing against time to stop the curse before it consumes the world.
The soundtrack, composed by Jerry Goldsmith (returning to the franchise), enhances the film’s epic scale with a score that balances sweeping orchestral themes with eerie, suspenseful motifs that evoke the looming danger of the undead and the dark magic of Anck-Su-Namun.
⭐ 4.8/5 — The Mummy 4: Curse of Christmas Returns is a thrilling and emotionally charged sequel that successfully blends action, dark fantasy, and holiday horror. With stunning performances from its all-star cast and high-intensity action, the film delivers a fresh take on the beloved Mummy franchise while keeping the heart and spirit of the original. This is a must-see adventure that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats until the very last moment.
In theaters Christmas 2026 — This Christmas… something ancient awakens beneath the snow.
Watch movie:
*Content is hosted on a partner site.
