Lee Cronin Shifts Focus from Evil Dead to a New Take on The Mummy

In June 2024, director Lee Cronin, known for his work on *Evil Dead Rise*, announced his involvement in a new project with Atomic Monster, Blumhouse Productions, and New Line Cinema. This project, revealed in December 2024, is a fresh interpretation of the classic horror concept of The Mummy, set to be released in theaters on April 17, 2026. Cronin emphasized that this film will offer a unique experience, stating, “This will be unlike any Mummy movie you ever laid eyeballs on before. I’m digging deep into the earth to raise something very ancient and very frightening.”

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel

The film will feature a cast that includes Jack Reynor (*Midsommar*), Laia Costa (*Victoria*), May Calamawy (*Moon Knight*), Veronica Falcón (*Queen of the South*), Hayat Kamille (*Vikings: Valhalla*), and May Elghety (*Clash*). The project is being co-financed by Atomic Monster and Blumhouse, with James Wan, Jason Blum, and John Keville serving as producers. Executive producers include Michael Clear, Judson Scott, and Macdara Kelleher, while Alayna Glasthal oversees the project for Atomic Monster.

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel

Cronin's choice to pursue The Mummy instead of a sequel to *Evil Dead Rise* was driven by his desire to take creative risks. He remarked, “The risk was not making a sequel to my last movie, because that was really easy for me to do. I said no, ultimately, because I wanted to do something else, and I like to take a risk and gamble.” He acknowledged the legacy of The Mummy films, noting the challenge of meeting modern expectations while breaking new ground in storytelling.

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel

While Cronin embarks on this new project, the *Evil Dead* franchise continues to expand. Rights holders Sam Raimi, Bruce Campbell, and Rob Tapert have expressed their commitment to producing additional entries in the series. Following the release of *Evil Dead Rise*, they announced plans for a new film titled *Evil Dead Burn*, directed by Sébastien Vanicek, scheduled for release on July 24, 2026. Additionally, Francis Galluppi is currently in production for another installment, *Evil Dead Wrath*.

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel

The decision to not pursue a sequel to *Evil Dead Rise* has sparked discussions among fans and critics alike. Some question whether Cronin should have opted for a sequel, given the franchise's popularity, while others support his move to explore new creative avenues with The Mummy.

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel

• “This will be unlike any Mummy movie you ever laid eyeballs on before. I’m digging deep into the earth to raise something very ancient and very frightening.” — Lee Cronin, Director

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel

• “I said no, ultimately, because I wanted to do something else, and I like to take a risk and gamble.” — Lee Cronin, Director

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel

As the *Evil Dead* franchise continues to evolve, audiences await the fresh vision Cronin promises to deliver with his new take on The Mummy.

Lee Cronin chose The Mummy over an Evil Dead Rise sequel