- Primary Subject: The Mummy: Book of the Dead (The Mummy 4)
- Key Update: Arnold Vosloo has officially signed his deal to reprise his iconic role as Imhotep alongside returning original cast members.
- Status: Confirmed
- Last Verified: November 12, 2026
- Quick Answer: Arnold Vosloo confirms he is returning as Imhotep in The Mummy 4, resurrected once again via the Book of the Dead for an October 2027 release.
Arnold Vosloo has finally confirmed his return as the fan-favorite villain Imhotep in the upcoming The Mummy 4, officially titled The Mummy: Book of the Dead.
Last appearing in 2001's The Mummy Returns, Imhotep met his demise after his beloved Anck-su-namun (Patricia Velásquez) abandoned him to save herself.
So, 25 years later, how will the ancient Egyptian high priest be brought back to life in The Mummy 4?
Is Imhotep Returning to The Mummy 4?
Fans are about to see a major reunion in the highly anticipated sequel, The Mummy 4, with several original stars returning to reprise their roles.
Brendan Fraser is back as Rick O’Connell, alongside Rachel Weisz as Evelyn Carnahan-O'Connell, John Hannah as Jonathan Carnahan, Oded Fehr as Ardeth Bay, and Kevin J. O'Connor as Beni Gabor.
Now, Arnold Vosloo is confirmed to return as Imhotep, the ancient Egyptian high priest who unleashes deadly plagues after being awakened by treasure hunters in The Mummy Returns.
“I can report now, I just signed my deal, that we are doing another Mummy,” Vosloo said on Jack Carr’s Danger Close podcast. “Brendan and them are shooting now in London, and the character Imhotep is back, that I play.”
The South African-American actor also revealed that he would begin filming in November, with the movie scheduled for release in 2027.
“This is the first time I’ve admitted that I’m back in the next Mummy,” he continued. “Imhotep is back.”
With Imhotep officially joining the reunion, fans can look forward to seeing the iconic villain share the screen with Rick and Evelyn O’Connell once again.
How Can Imhotep Return to Life in The Mummy 4?
In The Mummy Returns, Anubis strips Imhotep of all his powers and immortality, turning him into an ordinary mortal.
As the oasis and pyramid crumble, Rick and Imhotep are left hanging on the edge of a deep pit that leads to the Underworld.
Evelyn risks her life to save Rick, but Anck-su-namun refuses to do the same for Imhotep, leaving him to fend for himself despite his desperate pleas for help.
Heartbroken, Imhotep realizes that Anck-su-namun doesn't truly love him the way Evelyn loves Rick. He eventually accepts his fate, lets go of the ledge, and willingly plunges into the dark abyss of the Underworld. So, how can he return to life in The Mummy 4?
“Somebody wakes me up. They read from the Book of the Dead and there we are, so the fans will get to see me again in that,” Arnold Vosloo explained.
This confirms earlier theories about Imhotep's return, with the sequel's title itself hinting at the ancient book that could play a key role in his resurrection.
With the Book of the Dead involved, Imhotep's return could bring another supernatural threat to Rick and Evelyn's lives.
The Mummy 4 is set to hit theaters on October 15, 2027.