Lee Cronin’s *The Mummy* (2026) — New Horror Take Revealed

The Mummy

Warner Bros. and New Line Cinema have officially announced a bold new version of *The Mummy*, set to hit theaters in April 2026. This iteration is directed and written by horror filmmaker Lee Cronin, best known for *Evil Dead Rise*, and promises a much darker, fear-driven approach than previous versions of the classic monster story. 

Release Date & Overview

Release Date: April 17, 2026 (North America, theaters and IMAX) with international releases beginning April 15. Unlike past films in the franchise, this movie is distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures — making it the first *Mummy* adaptation not released through Universal Pictures since earlier decades. 

Plot

This new version departs from action-adventure and focuses instead on psychological and supernatural horror. The story centers on a journalist whose young daughter, Katie, vanished in the desert without a trace. When she suddenly returns eight years later, what should be a joyful reunion quickly turns into a horrifying nightmare full of eerie behavior and unsettling secrets. 

Cast & Crew

• Director & Writer: Lee Cronin
• Producers: James Wan, Jason Blum, John Keville
• Production Companies: Atomic Monster, Blumhouse, Doppelgängers, New Line Cinema
• Distributor: Warner Bros. Pictures

Main Cast: Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, May Calamawy, Verónica Falcón, Natalie Grace, Shylo Molina and others. 

The behind-the-scenes team includes cinematographer Dave Garbett, editor Bryan Shaw, production designer Nick Bassett, costume designer Joanna Eatwell and composer Stephen McKeon.

What Makes This Version Different

Unlike previous *Mummy* films — especially the adventure-oriented versions starring Brendan Fraser or the 2017 Tom Cruise reboot — Cronin’s film leans heavily into atmospheric horror and unsettling terror. Critics and fans have noted its tone resembles modern horror influences rather than action spectacle, making it feel more like a genuinely scary supernatural thriller. 

Early trailers show eerie images of Katie’s return and suggest the film combines familial dread with ancient supernatural forces, blending psychological tension with slow-burn horror elements. 

Expectations

With Cronin’s success in horror and the high-profile production team behind him, *The Mummy* (2026) is expected to be one of the year’s standout horror releases. Although the approach is divisive — some fans of the classic stories may be surprised by its intense tone — this film clearly stakes its claim as a new, frightening direction for the legendary monster.