Rachel Weisz Flicked Off Role in "The Mummy 3"

Rachel Weisz is to be replaced by Maria Bello in the third instalment of 'The Mummy'. The 'A History of Violence' actress will play Evelyn Carnahan O'Connell, the adventuress Weisz played in the first two movies.

It is believed Weisz turned down the chance to reprise her role for a third time because she didn't want to be typecast. In the new film - written by 'Smallville' creators Miles Millar and Alfred Gough and directed by Rob Cohen - adventurer Rick O'Connell, his wife Evelyn and their son - played by Luke Ford - travel to the forbidden tombs of China and the Himalayas. There they battle a shape-shifting mummy - who is a former Chinese emperor, played by Jet Li - and are cursed by a wizard, played by Michelle Yeoh.

'The Mummy' and 'The Mummy Returns' grossed more than $830 million worldwide for Universal, which will release the third film next summer. 'Coyote Ugly' star Bello will next appear in 'The Jane Austen Book Club' with 'The Devil Wears Prada' actress Emily Blunt. She also stars in 'Butterfly on a Wheel' alongside Pierce Brosnan which is released in August.

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