The New Film The Mummy is Making Headlines for the Wrong Reasons and the Promotion is Concerning
A new Mummy is set to rise, yet the studio seems to be burying the noise. When a horror film whispers this close to release, what is it trying not to wake?
Three months out from release, Lee Cronin’s new spin on a classic monster is shrouded in quieter buzz than expected. While Blumhouse and Atomic Monster typically dominate the conversation, this one has trickled out a teaser and little else, fueling whispers from test screenings and even a possible name change. With Jack Reynor and Laia Costa fronting a Spain-and-Ireland shoot and Cronin leaning into the slick, skin-crawling craft he showed on Evil Dead Rise, the story right now is the campaign itself. Meanwhile, rival horror titles are already mounting full-court pushes, sharpening the contrast ahead of April 15, 2026.
Why is The Mummy creating waves before its release?
When horror fans hear the name Lee Cronin, it likely sparks memories of Evil Dead Rise, a film that delivered both thrills and solid box office results. But his upcoming feature, The Mummy, set to debut on April 15, 2026, is already stirring the waters, and not necessarily for the right reasons. With just three months to go until release, promotional efforts for the movie seem far too quiet. What’s happening behind the scenes of this much-anticipated project?
A director’s vision meets production challenges
Initially announced amid much fanfare, The Mummy appeared to be the ideal candidate for revitalizing the Universal monster franchise. Its star-studded cast, including Jack Reynor and Laia Costa, and its shoots in the picturesque settings of Spain and Ireland, hinted at a production aiming for grandeur. However, rumors from the production pipeline suggest otherwise. Negative feedback from test screenings has reportedly triggered internal debates, with whispers that the film might be renamed The Resurrected. Could these issues overshadow Cronin’s passion for storytelling and his signature atmospheric style?
Unusual marketing silence
The horror genre thrives on strong marketing, yet promotional efforts for The Mummy have been surprisingly absent. Compared to upcoming horror blockbusters like Ready or Not 2 or Scream 7, which have bombarded audiences with teasers and viral campaigns, Lee Cronin’s project seems to be hiding in the shadows. For instance, Wolf Man faced similar challenges last year, relying on last-minute promotions that failed to generate much buzz. Is Universal Studios banking on the clout of Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster to pull off a box office miracle without the usual pre-release fanfare?
The creative gamble of Lee Cronin
Cronin, known for his ability to blend visceral horror with emotional storytelling, has described his vision for The Mummy as both terrifying and deeply human. Drawing influence from Gothic horror and ancient myths, the plot reportedly focuses on a desperate family trying to undo a curse tied to an unearthed mummy. Past films directed by Cronin have proven his knack for conjuring dread through atmospheric settings and compelling characters. Will his vision survive the industry pressures that often demand compromise?
What to expect in the lead-up to April?
The good news: Universal has finally dropped a cryptic teaser trailer, with eerie visuals that hint at a modern twist on the classic monster tale. Insiders speculate that a late promotional onslaught could be in the works to build momentum closer to the release date. With Blumhouse and Atomic Monster collaborating and Cronin at the helm, hopes remain cautiously high. Yet, the delayed marketing and production whispers leave many wondering whether this film will surprise everyone or if the cracks are already showing.
