Marvel’s Most-Wasted Phase 4 Actress Gets Cast In Next Movie – And This One Should Do Them Justice

by

Many Marvel fans feel Rachel Weisz, who played Melina Vostokoff in Black Widow, wasn’t utilized enough in Phase 4 of the MCU. Melina, a former assassin and a mother figure to Natasha Romanoff, had some strong scenes, but the film primarily focused on the relationship between Natasha and Yelena Belova, leaving Weisz in more of a supporting role. However, her upcoming lead role in a new franchise is expected to give her the attention she deserves.

Rachel Weisz didn’t get much chance to shine in Black Widow, but she’ll soon be back in the action genre with a new The Mummy movie. According to Variety, Weisz is joining Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser in a The Mummy sequel that’s scheduled to hit theaters on May 19, 2028.

Rachel Weisz will be returning as Evelyn O’Connell in the next Mummy movie. Many believe this role could allow her to showcase her talents after some felt her potential wasn’t fully realized in Black Widow, as Evelyn O’Connell is arguably her most famous and well-loved character.

Evelyn O’Connell is a smart and resourceful English Egyptologist and librarian who married Rick O’Connell after they both survived a dangerous journey to the ancient city of Hamunaptra. The second movie, The Mummy Returns, showed that Evelyn had a connection to Nefertiri, a pharaoh’s daughter, from a previous life. In the third film, The Mummy 3, the role of Evelyn was played by Maria Bello instead of the original actress.

In The Mummy, Weisz takes center stage with a leading role, a significant change from her smaller, less developed part in Black Widow and the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Since first appearing in the live-action film Black Widow, Melina Vostokoff hasn’t had a significant role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Although Florence Pugh reprised the character in Season 2 of What If…? on Disney+, Kari Wahlgren took over the voice role for the Mech Avengers episode in Season 3 and later in Marvel Zombies.

Melina Vostokoff, like David Harbour’s Red Guardian, had potential for more development in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Red Guardian has since become an official New Avenger, and including Melina on the team would have strengthened it, given her skills and combat background.

Rather than disappearing from the story, Melina could have continued appearing in more realistic MCU shows, like Hawkeye, where she could have mentored Yelena and helped her grow, instead of being manipulated by Val. Alternatively, a Doomsday scenario could have brought Melina back to reunite her with Yelena and Red Guardian, serving as a fitting tribute to Natasha and involving a crucial mission to protect everyone.

Why Rachel Weisz’s Return in The Mummy Is Her Perfect Redemption

Rachel Weisz returning to The Mummy series gives her a chance to shine after she wasn’t fully utilized in Black Widow and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as she’s playing a popular character that fans love.

Weisz proved her talent as an actress, demonstrating both her comedic abilities and a strong connection with Brendan Fraser’s character. Returning to the role of Evelyn after 25 years gives her a chance to shine again and further develop a performance that already played to her strengths.

As a huge movie fan, I’m really excited about The Mummy 4 potentially coming out in Summer 2028. It feels like the perfect time to showcase Rachel Weisz’s incredible talent again, and it’ll definitely remind everyone just how big a star she is, especially after some felt her role in the MCU didn’t quite give her enough to do. It’s a great way to highlight her abilities on a big stage!

Read More

2026-04-03 09:36