Reinventing The Mummy: Why the Franchise’s Horror Turn Makes Sense

The Mummy is one of those films that has truly stood the test of time. The Brendan Fraser era embraced adventure, leaning heavily into an Indiana Jones–style thrill ride that audiences still revisit for pure fun. In 2017, Universal attempted to reboot the franchise with Tom Cruise and director Alex Kurtzman, but that version was met with heavy criticism and ultimately failed to connect with audiences.

Fast forward to today, and filmmaker Lee Cronin is giving us something entirely different, and genuinely exciting. Rather than leaning into adventure, Cronin pulls The Mummy firmly into the horror genre, a move that feels surprisingly natural given the source material. Ancient curses, buried secrets, and unimaginable consequences have always been baked into the mythology, this time, the film fully embraces the fear.

Horror has been on a strong streak lately, driven by solid storytelling and compelling performances. Films like Sinners, an original story that crossed $200 million domestically and delivered one of the best soundtracks of the year, prove audiences are hungry for fresh ideas. 28 Years Later followed suit, earning over $150 million worldwide and reminding viewers that horror thrives when emotion and atmosphere come first.

Cronin’s The Mummy centers on the disappearance of a journalist’s young daughter, who vanishes into the desert without a trace. Eight years later, she inexplicably returns to her grieving family. What begins as a miraculous reunion quickly descends into a nightmare, as it becomes clear that whatever came back is not the same girl who disappeared.

Like any effective horror trailer, Cronin reveals very little. The footage offers brief flashes of carnage, unsettling imagery, and eerie sound design that keeps audiences guessing. If the final film delivers on that promise, this version of The Mummy could mark a bold new chapter, one that stands in stark contrast to its adventure-driven predecessors.

With horror continuing to dominate, expect more bold reinventions like this as we move into 2026.

Chris Chavez, @nerdistic0