Rachel Weisz Drops Out of "Mummy 3"

Oscar-Winning Actress Steps Away from the Popular Action Franchise

Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz has dropped out of "The Mummy 3," it was announced today, declining to portray the character of Evelyn Carnahan, a librarian and egyptologist, in the new movie. Weisz had previously appeared as Carnahan in both "The Mummy" and "The Mummy Returns."

Weisz had stated at a past press conference while promoting her film "The Fountain" that she was interested in reprising her "Mummy" role if a third film in the series was produced. However, now that Universal has set a third film in motion, Weisz has declined to take a part in the feature. The action franchise has been wildly successful at the box office, although critical reception for 1999's "The Mummy," and 2001's "The Mummy Returns," was mixed.

Weisz's male co-star is set to return for the third film. Universal Pictures has brought Brendan Fraser on board to reprise his role as Richard "Rick" O'Collenl in the latest feature in the action adventure franchise. The film will place Fraser opposite martial arts icon Jet Li.

The new "Mummy" film will be directed by Rob Cohen, who is best known for directing hard-hitting action flicks "XXX," and "The Fast And The Furious." His most recently released project was 2005's military thriller "Stealth."

Weisz is married to director Darren Aronofsky ("Requiem for A Dream," "Pi"), whom she met while starring in his 2006 sci-fi epic "The Fountain." Weisz and Aronofsky brought a baby boy, who they named Henry Chance, into the world last May. Weisz won an Academy Award for her role in "The Constant Gardener," a part she played while pregnant with the child.

Representatives for the studio behind "Mummy 3" told reporters that Weisz declined the role due to conflicts in scheduling. They did not make a statement as to what project, or projects, were pulling Weisz away during the planned "Mummy" production period.