AceShowbiz - The highly anticipated horror film The Mummy directed and written by Lee Cronin is generating buzz as one of the most terrifying movies set to release in 2026. With production led by horror veterans James Wan and Jason Blum, the film promises to deliver chilling scares that will have audiences hiding behind their popcorn. Contrary to earlier franchise iterations, this version of The Mummy does not feature Brendan Fraser, as confirmed by Blumhouse.

The storyline follows a journalist whose young daughter suddenly disappears. Eight years later, the family is stunned when the daughter returns, but their happiness quickly turns into a harrowing nightmare, setting the stage for a suspenseful and gruesome horror narrative.

Early reactions from advance screenings have started to roll in ahead of the film’s theatrical release, scheduled for April 17, 2026. The initial reviews suggest that The Mummy is living up to its frightening reputation, with many describing it as one of the most disturbing and intense horror experiences of the year.

Courtney Howard shared two posts following her viewing, describing the film as “gruesome and gnarly,” warning audiences to expect a movie filled with terrifying moments. This sentiment is echoed by Bill Bria, who admits being deeply shaken by the film and notes that Cronin’s work seems inspired by classics like Bring Her Back, The Omen, The Vanishing, and Braindead.

Brandon Davis did not hold back in his review, calling it “the most f**ked movie I’ve ever watched in a theater,” emphasizing the film’s disturbing impact on viewers. Meanwhile, Chris Killian described the movie as “the most terrifying and disgusting Mummy movie you’ll ever see,” and suggested that fans of Evil Dead Rise would especially appreciate the film’s style and intensity.

Who Let Us Out, another early viewer, assured audiences that Cronin’s take on the mummy myth is “not what you would expect from a mummy movie,” advising viewers to prepare for a version that is both “terrifying and gross.”

Beyond horror elements, Matt Bedrosian highlighted the film’s exploration of family dynamics, noting that The Mummy also features “demons older than the devil,” hinting at a deeper, more mythological layer woven into the terrifying plot.

However, not all critics were fully impressed. Edgar Ortega expressed dissatisfaction, calling the movie “way too long” and indicating that Lee Cronin’s attempt did not meet his expectations.

For horror enthusiasts eager to dive deeper into the film’s themes and reception, subscribing to dedicated newsletters will provide curated reactions, comprehensive analysis, and further contextualization of The Mummy within the modern horror landscape.

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy is slated to premiere in theaters on April 17, 2026, with a runtime of 136 minutes. The cast includes Jack Reynor as Charlie, Laia Costa as Larissa, Natalie Grace as Katie, and Veronica Falcón as Carmen. Alongside Cronin’s direction and writing, the film’s production team features notable figures Jason Blum, James Wan, and John Keville.

As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what could become a standout entry in 2026’s horror genre, blending psychological terror with supernatural horror elements under Lee Cronin’s distinctive vision.

This article is based on reporting originally published by ScreenRant.