Action star Jet Li is in negotiations to join the cast of Universal Pictures’ The Mummy 3 as the movie’s villainous title character, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Plot details of the script, written by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar (Smallville), have not been revealed, though it’s known that the movie will include Li’s story beginning in ancient China before moving to a post-World War II setting. Also, one sequence involves the famous terra-cotta warriors, the collection of 6,000 men and their horses that were originally constructed to protect the tomb of an emperor.

Star Brendan Fraser is expected to reprise his role as American Rick O’Connell, but no official word if Oscar-winning actress Rachel Weisz will return as his love interest. Michelle Yeoh has reportedly joined the cast.

The Mummy 3, which is scheduled for a Summer 2008 release, is being directed by Rob Cohen with Stephen Sommers, Bob Ducsay, Sean Daniel, and Jim Jacks producing.