Lee Cronin's The Mummy: Poltergeist Meets Seven

Writer-director Lee Cronin has shared insights into his upcoming film, Lee Cronin's The Mummy. During a discussion, Cronin characterized the project as a distinct departure from previous films in the franchise. He specifically likened the tone and structure of the movie to a combination of Poltergeist and Seven. The director emphasized that his version of the story will focus heavily on mystery and the emotional bonds of a family unit, rather than relying solely on action or traditional monster tropes. By blending domestic warmth with a dark investigative angle, Cronin intends to create a fresh take on the age-old concept of the mummy.

In describing the tone of Lee Cronin's The Mummy, the director offered a specific comparison to two classic films. He explained that the movie functions as a mystery and a puzzle box, drawing on his interest in Egyptian lore and hidden secrets. Cronin stated, "It's an insane mashup to suggest, but [this film is] almost one part Poltergeist and one part Seven, but put through my lens and the way that I like to entertain people."

The director elaborated on what these references mean for the film's narrative. Regarding Poltergeist, he cited the focus on domestic circumstances and the warmth of the family. For Seven, he pointed to the dark, investigative angle and the secrets that drive the plot. Cronin noted that while these elements exist in different "tram lines," he is attempting to bring them together in "center court."

He further clarified that his films often center on family dynamics, even within horror settings. He finds appeal in "the horror of the domestic" and the way a horrific event can pull people together or tear them apart. He cited David Fincher's Seven as a prime example of a thriller that relies on strong character relationships to support the investigation.

Cronin's approach to the film is heavily influenced by his childhood viewing habits. He identifies as an "Amblin kid" and a "child of Spielberg." This background informs his desire to blend familiar, relatable worlds with high-stakes horror. He believes that even in a movie centered on investigation and reveals, the strength of the relationships—such as the domestic scenes in Seven—is what grounds the story for the audience.

When preparing for the project, Cronin conducted research into both previous Mummy films and real-life historical mummy culture. His goal is to base the movie's iconography on actual history and culture rather than the fantasy elements often seen in the genre. He expressed admiration for the 1932 Boris Karloff film, noting that its appeal was the "fear of the other" and the grounded quality of the threat.

Cronin emphasized that while authenticity is important, his primary goal is entertainment. He is not trying to make a "thesis" but rather an entertaining movie for a global audience. However, he looks for "gaps" in historical topics to find different ways of presenting familiar concepts.

Lee Cronin is making this film following his work on 2023's Evil Dead Rise, which was the fifth installment in the popular horror series. Prior to that, he made his feature debut with The Hole in the Ground, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019. Despite his work in the macabre, sources describe him as an unassuming and affable individual.

The director's previous success with Evil Dead Rise has positioned him to bring a new vision to the Mummy franchise. He aims to move away from the "straight shambling monster yarns" or action-adventure styles of previous iterations. Instead, he seeks to tap into the uncanny and the purposeful nature of the creature, stepping away from the shadows with intent.