Brendan Fraser and Maria Bello on the set of 'The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor'. Shanghai, China - 26.11.07

Weisz turned down the opportunity to play complete the trilogy as Evie in The Mummy: Tomb Of The Dragon Emperor and was replaced by Bello.

And Fraser has praised the 40-year-old for bringing new energy to the film franchise.

He says, "The show must go on and to work with Maria is a new experience that adds interest to the role.

"We needed someone for the part. We didn't want to change the storyline where we start at a tombstone laying flowers at her grave. I don't want to give the joke away but I can promise you a brand new Evie."

Fraser - who once dated Weisz - is now reportedly romantically linked to Bello.

Source: WENN