Spielberg & Fincher Vibes in 2026’s Dark ‘The Mummy’ Adaptation: Director Promises Thrills

This year, Lee Cronin is set to unveil his unique take on the iconic The Mummy series, drawing inspiration from the directorial techniques of Steven Spielberg and David Fincher. The horror series has seen various iterations, from its original run with the Universal Classic Monsters in the 1930s to 1950s, to the more contemporary series starring Brendan Fraser.

Cronin has now taken on the challenge of reimagining The Mummy franchise. In a discussion with IGN, he expressed that he was “hugely influenced” by Spielberg’s Poltergeist, which Spielberg wrote and produced, and Fincher’s Seven. He described his film as “a totally different kind of Mummy movie.”

Indeed, the director describes his film as “one part Poltergeist and one part Seven.” While he draws on the iconic work of these renowned directors, Cronin emphasizes maintaining his personal vision and style in his adaptation of The Mummy.

Elaborating on why The Mummy represents a “mashup” of Poltergeist and Seven, Cronin noted that the former incorporates “domestic settings and the warmth of family life,” whereas the latter introduces a “dark, investigative narrative and the mysteries that lie beneath it.“

“It might seem like a wild combination, but [this film is] nearly one part Poltergeist and one part Seven, all seen through my personal lens and the way I prefer to entertain audiences.”

“I grew up on Amblin films, deeply influenced by Spielberg. So when I mention Poltergeist, I refer to the domestic scenarios and familial warmth. And when I mention Seven, it’s the dark, investigative aspects and the hidden secrets I’m talking about. These are two distinct elements from different genres, but both are areas I adore and I’m attempting to merge them at the heart of this film.”

Cronin’s fascination with Egyptian mythology plays a significant role in his approach to “deep, hidden secrets” in the upcoming film. While The Mummy has its roots in horror, Cronin is weaving a substantial amount of mystery into his version. “It’s like a puzzle box,” he admitted, “which is what draws me to it.“

“The film itself is essentially a mystery, like a puzzle box, which attracted me to it. What’s truly intriguing and exciting for me, even from my childhood interest in Egyptian lore, are the secrets and concealed elements. The film I aim to create reflects this theme of deep, buried secrets and explores areas we might not know about. This movie comes from a very different angle, not just rehashing mummy lore but exploring darker depths and doing something new with what we think we know.”

Although Seven is a thriller, Fincher ensures the film has a “familiar quality” that resonates with the audience.

For instance, scenes featuring Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt as Tracy and David Mills at home, including the dinner party scene, are deemed “crucial” by Cronin for developing the human aspect of the story and revealing the “strength of those relationships.”

“I’ve always been drawn to genre films that immerse you in a world that feels familiar. Despite the brilliance of [Seven], it would be diminished without the few scenes showing Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt at home. Their modest dinner party is pivotal, demonstrating their aspirations amidst the backdrop of a rattling train…So, even in a film filled with investigation and shocking revelations, it is the underlying strength of these relationships that truly anchors the narrative…Combining mystery and horror with a family we grow to care for is what I find most compelling.”

In The Mummy, Cronin aspires to achieve a similar connection, focusing on characters who are “brought together and torn apart by horrific events.”

Since the debut of the Universal Classic Monsters films in the ’30s, numerous directors have tried to replicate their success, with the most famous being Fraser’s Mummy trilogy, which emerged over six decades later and sparked The Scorpion King spin-offs.

Following the less successful attempt to reboot The Mummy in 2017 with Tom Cruise, which received a mere 15% on Rotten Tomatoes, there are now plans for The Mummy 4, featuring the return of Fraser and Weisz as Rick O’Connell and Evelyn Carnahan, respectively. The first three films collectively grossed over $1 billion at the box office.

Alongside the upcoming Mummy film from Universal starring Fraser, Warner Bros. is also venturing into the horror franchise, with Cronin directing. His background in the genre includes directing titles like The Hole in the Ground and Evil Dead Rise, with notable horror producers Jason Blum and James Wan involved.

The cast for Cronin’s Mummy includes Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, Verónica Falcón, May Calamawy, May Elghety, Natalie Grace, Shylo Molina, Billie Roy, and Hayat Kamille.

Cronin hopes his rendition of The Mummy will resonate with audiences, possibly paving the way for a new series of sequels.

The Mummy is scheduled for theatrical release on Friday, April 17, 2026.