A new take on a classic monster is arriving in theaters this April, and it’s a far cry from the swashbuckling adventures fans may remember. The first full trailer for Lee Cronin’s The Mummy has arrived, offering a chilling glimpse into a horror-focused reimagining of the iconic character. This comes as Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz prepare to reprise their roles in a separate Mummy sequel slated for 2028, leading some to wonder how Universal Pictures will navigate two distinct approaches to the franchise.
Cronin, known for his work on Evil Dead Rise, delivers a distinctly unsettling premise. The story centers on a couple who discover their daughter, missing for eight years, has been found alive. Still, her return is anything but a happy reunion, as she’s been entombed within a 3,000-year-traditional sarcophagus, and something has fundamentally changed.
The trailer showcases a palpable sense of dread and suspense, emphasizing psychological horror over action-adventure. Starring Jack Reynor and Laia Costa as the parents, and Natalie Grace as their daughter Katie, the film promises a terrifying exploration of what happened during those lost years. The central question – “What happened to Katie?” – drives the narrative, hinting at a dark and disturbing transformation.
This new vision of The Mummy stands in stark contrast to the earlier films, which often blended action, comedy, and supernatural elements. As IGN reports, this is a deliberate departure, aiming for a more intense and frightening experience. The film’s creators clearly intend to distance themselves from the “run-and-gun goofball version” that became associated with the franchise, opting instead for a genuinely terrifying cinematic experience.
Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is set to release on April 17. The film’s release comes ahead of the planned 2028 return of Brendan Fraser and Rachel Weisz to the franchise, a project that aims to recapture the spirit of the original 1999 film. The upcoming Fraser and Weisz film is being directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for their work on the recent Scream sequels, and the script is penned by David Coggeshall, the writer behind Orphan: First Kill.
The potential for two distinct Mummy franchises raises questions about Universal’s long-term plans for its classic monsters. While a previous attempt to launch a “Dark Universe” with Tom Cruise’s 2017 The Mummy reboot ultimately failed, the studio appears to be taking a more nuanced approach this time around. ScreenRant notes that the return of Fraser and Weisz is seen as a way to correct past missteps and reconnect with fans.
The success of Cronin’s horror take could pave the way for a more diverse range of interpretations within the franchise. Whether Universal will actively pursue a full-fledged “Dark Universe” remains to be seen, but the simultaneous development of two Mummy projects suggests a willingness to explore different avenues.
As audiences prepare to confront the horrors within Lee Cronin’s The Mummy, the question remains: can two Mummy franchises coexist? The answer will likely depend on the critical and commercial reception of both films. For now, fans have a terrifying new chapter to anticipate, and a nostalgic reunion to look forward to in 2028.
What are your thoughts on this new direction for The Mummy? Share your reactions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow horror fans.
