Context:

Lee Cronin's The Mummy aims to reinvent the mummy mythos with a fully horror-centric approach but leans heavily on imitating Evil Dead Rise and The Exorcist, dampening the title’s distinct premise. The result is a tense, visually striking film whose standout element is Natalie Grace as the apparent mummy, yet the story and cast feel underdeveloped for its 2-hour-plus runtime. While it delivers disturbing visuals and solid practical effects, the narrative often sacrifices coherence and character grounding in pursuit of jump-scare moments. The film’s ambition is evident, but momentum stalls as it threads familiar tropes through a family-focused, Egypt-set frame. It arrives with a clear appetite for horror, yet leaves questions about its unique contribution to the franchise and its broader appeal for genre fans.

Dive Deeper:

• The project is directed by Lee Cronin and produced by Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, signaling a strong horror pedigree and expectations for a fresh take on the classic character.

• Natalie Grace plays the titular Katie, delivering a performance that anchors the film’s horror elements and is widely regarded as the strongest facet of the production.

• Jack Reynor portrays Charlie Cannon, a lead whose extended screen time is noted for insufficient character development and a consistently blank delivery that undercuts the emotional arc.

• The runtime is 136 minutes, and the plot centers on an American family reassembling eight years after their daughter’s disappearance, only to confront a sinister truth tied to her return.

• Critics compare the film unfavorably to Evil Dead Rise, citing analogous themes and aesthetics that overshadow unique mummy-related ideas, while also noting moments of tension and clever sound design.

• Despite impressive practical effects and a few tense sequences, the film is criticized for illogical character decisions and a narrative that relies too much on existing horror precedents rather than its own concept.

• The Mummy premieres in theaters on April 17, 2026, with reception suggesting it may satisfy some horror enthusiasts while leaving others yearning for a bolder, more original direction.