Mike Myers is moving the long-awaited return of Austin Powers closer to reality, confirming that he is writing the screenplay for a fourth instalment of the hit comedy franchise. The new film is expected to give greater attention to Dr. Evil, the memorable antagonist Myers also portrayed throughout the original trilogy.
Dr. Evil Could Become The Sequel’s Main Perspective
In an appearance on the Hollywood Insiders podcast with filmmaker Hawk Koch, Myers indicated that the developing screenplay is being shaped more around Dr. Evil’s point of view. He described the character as enjoyable to perform and said there would be more of him in the new story.
Myers also reflected on the character’s popularity, saying audience affection for Dr. Evil is close to the enthusiasm for Austin Powers himself. He recalled that an early studio note after a screening of the first film had suggested reducing Dr. Evil’s role because the character was mean to Austin. Myers believed the villain was getting laughs and defended the comic value he brought to the story.
The possible shift in perspective is significant for a franchise built around the clash between an exaggerated 1960s British secret agent and his theatrical nemesis. Dr. Evil was never simply a conventional villain: his elaborate schemes, dysfunctional organisation and strained relationship with his son Scott became central sources of the series’ humour.
A Franchise That Has Been Away For More Than Two Decades
The original Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery arrived in 1997, introducing Myers as both the flamboyant spy and Dr. Evil. It was followed by Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me in 1999 and Austin Powers in Goldmember in 2002. The third film remains the most recent instalment in the theatrical series.
The long gap has helped turn a fourth film into a recurring subject of fan interest. Myers had hinted for years that there were more stories to tell, and he gave a direct indication in June 2026 that another instalment was being pursued. His latest comments provide a more concrete creative update by identifying the screenplay’s current direction.
What Is Known — And What Has Not Been Announced
Myers’ confirmation that he is writing the script does not, by itself, establish that filming is ready to begin. No production start date, confirmed release window, full cast announcement or detailed plot synopsis has been made public. The extent of the involvement of returning cast members and whether director Jay Roach will return have also not been confirmed in the latest update.
That distinction matters: a screenplay in development is an important step, but it is not the same as a film entering production. Until the studio or filmmakers announce the next stages, the project’s schedule remains uncertain.
Why The Dr. Evil Focus Could Work
Giving Dr. Evil a larger narrative role could offer the sequel a fresh route back into a familiar comedy world. The character’s mock-serious approach to world domination, corporate-style villainy and personal insecurities provide material that can be explored beyond his rivalry with Austin. It could also allow the film to revisit the franchise’s central spy-movie parody through a different comic lens.
However, the challenge will be balancing that new emphasis with the character that gave the franchise its name. Fans may welcome more Dr. Evil, but a successful return will likely need to preserve the odd-couple chemistry between the two roles Myers made famous. For now, the clearest news is that the writer and star is working on the script — and that Dr. Evil appears set to have a substantial place in it.
Sources And Further Reading
- People: Mike Myers Teases Austin Powers 4 and Dr. Evil’s Perspective
- ComingSoon: Mike Myers Gives an Update on Austin Powers 4
- Variety: Mike Myers Previously Confirmed a Fourth Austin Powers Film Was Happening
- Radio Times: Earlier Confirmation of Plans for Austin Powers 4
- Photograph: Alan Light / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)