Mike Myers Just Announced the Long-Awaited Austin Powers News Fans Have Been Waiting For

Photo: New Line Cinema/Everett Collection

With the whispers surrounding Shrek 5 fueling speculation, it was inevitable that Mike Myers would face questions about his other iconic, yet long-dormant property: Austin Powers.

The moment arrived during his appearance on Trevor Noah’s World Cup Watch Party Live. When Noah asked, on behalf of the fans, whether a fourth installment was in the cards, Myers didn’t hesitate. He simply answered, “Yes,” before casually snacking on a gummy candy. While he missed a golden opportunity for a classic “Yeah, baby! Yeah!” it was, nonetheless, a firm confirmation.

The “shagadelic” universe of Austin Powers hasn’t graced the silver screen since 2002—a time when a young Beyoncé was starring as the lead opposite a much older, colorful spy. Despite this hiatus, the franchise’s cultural footprint remains massive, largely thanks to the persistent popularity of Dr. Evil, who Myers has frequently revived for high-profile advertising campaigns.

In fact, a new Verizon spot featuring the villain dropped just days ago to coincide with the World Cup. It’s hard to dismiss that as a mere coincidence. Better yet, the original cast—including Seth Green, Rob Lowe, and the formidable Mindy Sterling—clearly still have the comedic spark to pull off a return.

Myers has been hinting at a potential Austin Powers 4 for years, often suggesting that he wants to get the script just right before diving back in. He has previously speculated that the narrative might pivot to focus more heavily on Dr. Evil. However, progress has been stagnant for nearly a decade. Even director Jay Roach offered a sobering reality check back in 2020, telling Deadline that the project hinges entirely on Myers finding that specific spark of inspiration.

Myers’ direct answer to Noah suggests that the gears at New Line Cinema might finally be turning. While industry shifts—such as the potential acquisition of Warner Bros. by Skydance Paramount—could complicate production, this project suddenly feels far more tangible than any other rumored sequels in Myers’ catalog.

We recently revisited the original trilogy to see if they hold up today, and the verdict is clear: they are still brilliant. In a modern landscape where genuine, joke-driven comedy is increasingly rare, the return of Myers’ signature irreverence feels like a breath of fresh air. The only real mystery left is: what pop-culture tropes could he possibly parody next?

Interestingly, the primary target of the franchise—the James Bond series—is currently in a state of flux. After Daniel Craig concluded his tenure with 2021’s No Time to Die, the franchise has been navigating a quiet transition following Amazon’s full acquisition of the rights and the appointment of Denis Villeneuve for future installments. Would a fourth Austin Powers lean into the gritty, modern aesthetic Craig established, or stick to the swinging-sixties charm that defined the original films? Either way, I’m ready.

However, I’ll propose an even bolder move: bring Austin to the world of gaming. We haven’t had a dedicated, playable Austin Powers experience since the Y2K-era Game Boy Color titles. With recent Bond titles seeing massive success, a high-budget, satirical action-adventure game skewering modern spy tropes feels like a natural evolution. I just hope Myers and his team don’t let this opportunity slip away.

Source: Polygon