Lee Cronin's "The Mummy" Arrives in Cinemas

Director Lee Cronin's new film, "Lee Cronin's The Mummy," has been released in theaters. The R-rated horror film offers a fresh take on the classic story and is produced by Blumhouse and Atomic Monster, with distribution by Warner Bros.

The film's title includes Cronin's name, an idea from producer Jason Blum intended to create a distinct identity for this version of the story.

Production & Plot

The film was shot on location in Ireland and Spain with a reported budget in the mid-$20 million range. The plot follows an American family in Egypt whose daughter is abducted, only to be discovered eight years later sealed in a tomb in New Mexico.

Background and Influences

Cronin, previously known for directing "The Hole in the Ground" and "Evil Dead Rise," developed the project after a conversation with producer James Wan. He noted that he did not watch previous "Mummy" films until after writing his script, instead citing "Seven" and "Poltergeist" as key influences during development.

It is worth noting that Universal Pictures is separately developing a fourth installment of its action-adventure "The Mummy" franchise starring Brendan Fraser.

Director's Statements and Future Projects

Regarding the film's unique title, Cronin stated he was initially unsure about using his name but understood the intent to differentiate it from other films in the genre.

On the potential for sequels, Cronin said decisions would depend on audience reception. He noted, however, that the film's story establishes a timeline and lore that could be expanded upon in the future.

Cronin confirmed his production company, Wicked/Good, has several projects in development. These include a television series titled "Spiral" set in 1980s Ireland, produced in partnership with Blumhouse and Atomic Monster. He is also developing a project called "Box of Bones" and expressed interest in potentially working within the "Lord of the Rings" or "A Nightmare on Elm Street" franchises.