Obsession Star Michael Johnston in Talks for Mummy Sequel

The wait for the next chapter in Universal’s resurrected Mummy franchise just got a little more intriguing. According to sources, rising star Michael Johnston - best known for his intense turn in Netflix’s Obsession - is in early talks to join the sequel. While details remain under wraps, the potential casting signals that the studio is looking to inject fresh, contemporary energy into its monster universe.

What We Know So Far

Johnston hasn’t officially signed on the dotted line, but negotiations are reportedly underway. If a deal closes, he’d be stepping into a project that Universal has been quietly developing since the divisive 2017 reboot starring Tom Cruise. That film, while a box-office success globally, failed to launch the ambitious “Dark Universe” the studio had planned. Since then, the approach has shifted: less interconnected mythology, more standalone, character-driven horror-adventure.

The new Mummy sequel - still without a confirmed director or release date - is said to be a separate, leaner story. It’s unclear whether Johnston would play a lead role or a supporting character, and no plot details have emerged. But his casting would mark a deliberate move toward younger, less established talent, a contrast to the A-list heavy strategy of the previous iteration.

Who Is Michael Johnston?

If the name doesn’t ring a bell yet, his face probably will. Johnston broke out in Obsession, a psychological thriller series where he played a man unraveling under the weight of a dark secret. The performance earned him comparisons to a young Hugh Jackman crossed with the brooding intensity of Timothée Chalamet. He’s got that rare ability to be both charming and unsettling - a quality that’s gold for a monster-movie lead.

Before Obsession, Johnston logged smaller roles in indie dramas and guest spots on prestige TV. But the Mummy sequel would be his biggest franchise play to date. It’s a smart bet: the horror-action blend demands an actor who can sell genuine terror while also landing a quip, and Johnston’s range so far suggests he can do both.

The State of the Mummy Franchise

Let’s be honest - the 2017 Mummy was a mess. It tried to do too much: launch a shared universe, honor the classic Boris Karloff films, and give Tom Cruise his own supernatural action vehicle. The result was a jumbled sandstorm of ideas. Since then, Universal has taken a more cautious route, focusing on smaller, director-driven projects like The Invisible Man (2020), which was a critical and commercial hit.

That film’s success proved audiences still want monster movies - they just want them smart and scary, not weighed down by universe-building. The new Mummy sequel is expected to follow that blueprint: a tight, modern horror-thriller with a fresh take on the ancient curse. Johnston’s potential involvement suggests the lead character might be a normal person thrust into extraordinary circumstances, rather than a rugged action hero.

Why This Casting Matters

In the current landscape, horror and thriller franchises are relying on young, charismatic actors to carry the weight. Think Smile with Sosie Bacon, or Talk to Me with Sophie Wilde. Johnston fits that mold. He’s got the “next big thing” buzz without the baggage of a massive prior franchise. Joining The Mummy sequel could put him on the map in a major way.

For Universal, the gamble is about freshness. Johnston isn’t a guaranteed box-office draw - yet - but the studio is betting that the property itself, combined with a strong script and a compelling lead, will do the heavy lifting. It’s the same strategy that worked for The Invisible Man, which starred Elisabeth Moss, an actor with critical cachet but not typical blockbuster pull.

What’s Next?

Talks are in the early stages, so nothing is locked. But if Johnston commits, expect an official announcement within the next few weeks. Universal hasn’t set a production start date, but the wheels are clearly turning. For now, fans of the franchise - and of smart horror casting - should keep their eyes peeled for more news.

MovieBuzz News will continue to follow this story as it develops. In the meantime, you can catch Michael Johnston in Obsession, streaming now on Netflix.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter