Lee Cronin’s The Mummy: A Modern Reimagining or Missed Opportunity?

Universal Pictures’ attempt to revive its classic monster franchise with The Mummy (2022) under director Lee Cronin took an unexpected turn when the project shifted from a traditional horror-comedy to a darker, more cinematic take. The result is a film that blends action, supernatural elements, and political intrigue, but struggles to find a consistent tone or audience. While the movie doesn’t fully succeed as either a blockbuster or a horror film, it raises interesting questions about legacy franchises in the streaming era.

The Evolution of a Troubled Production

Originally announced in 2017 as part of Universal’s Dark Universe initiative—a shared universe connecting classic monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and The Wolf Man—The Mummy was intended to kickstart a new era of interconnected horror films. Tom Cruise was set to star as Nick Morton, an adventurer uncovering an ancient Egyptian curse. However, after the underwhelming performance of The Mummy (2017) starring Sofia Boutella, Universal shelved the Dark Universe and reworked the project with Cronin at the helm.

The reboot, now simply titled The Mummy, leans into a grittier, more grounded approach. Cronin, known for his work on The Autopsy of Jane Doe, infused the film with a sense of dread and practical effects, avoiding the CGI-heavy spectacle of its predecessor. The story follows Morton (Cruise) as he accidentally awakens Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), an ancient Egyptian princess seeking to possess a mortal host to achieve immortality. The film’s third act shifts into full supernatural horror, a departure from the lighter tone originally envisioned.

Key Changes from the 2017 Version

• Tone and Style: The 2017 film leaned into adventure and spectacle, while Cronin’s version embraces horror and ambiguity.
• Character Focus: Cruise’s Morton is a morally ambiguous protagonist, lacking the heroic sheen of his earlier roles.
• Visual Effects: More practical effects and practical stunts reduce reliance on CGI, giving the film a tangible grit.
• Villain Redesign: Ahmanet is reimagined as a tragic, vengeful figure rather than a straightforward monster.

Why the Reboot Struggles to Find Its Footing

Despite its ambitions, The Mummy suffers from a fundamental disconnect between its tonal shifts. The first half plays like an Indiana Jones-style adventure, complete with sandstorms, ancient curses, and archaeological intrigue. Yet, as Ahmanet’s presence grows, the film abruptly pivots into full-blown horror, complete with grotesque body horror and unsettling imagery. This tonal whiplash leaves audiences unsure of what kind of movie they’re watching.

The film’s biggest weakness may be its pacing. The first act drags, weighed down by exposition about Morton’s backstory and the geopolitical tensions between archaeologists and military personnel. While the character dynamics between Morton and his partner Jenny Halsey (Annabel Scholey) are engaging, the plot meanders until the supernatural elements take over. Once Ahmanet enters the picture, the film becomes more engaging, but by then, the damage to its momentum is done.

Another issue is the underdeveloped worldbuilding. Unlike the Dark Universe’s promise of interconnected stories, The Mummy feels isolated. There’s little sense of a larger universe or mythology, leaving the film to stand alone—a risky move in today’s franchise-driven landscape.

The Broader Implications for Legacy Franchises

The Mummy’s troubled journey from Dark Universe launchpad to standalone reboot reflects broader struggles in Hollywood’s approach to legacy properties. The failure of the 2017 The Mummy demonstrated that audiences are wary of reboots that feel like cash grabs. Meanwhile, the rise of streaming has made traditional franchise films less of a sure bet, pushing studios to take bigger risks—or abandon shared universes altogether.

Cronin’s version of The Mummy suggests a middle ground: a franchise film that prioritizes character and atmosphere over spectacle. However, without a clear vision or strong marketing, it risks being overlooked in an oversaturated market. The film’s box office performance was modest, and critical reception was mixed, with some praising its ambition and others criticizing its inconsistency.

This raises a critical question: Can studios successfully revive classic franchises without relying on nostalgia bait? The Mummy attempts to answer that question by leaning into horror and character-driven storytelling, but it ultimately falls short of delivering a definitive vision. It’s a film that feels like it’s trying to please too many audiences at once.

What Comes Next for Universal’s Monsterverse?

With the Dark Universe in limbo, Universal has pivoted to a more flexible approach, allowing individual monster films to exist without forcing them into a shared continuity. This could be a wise move, given the mixed results of interconnected franchises like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or the DC Extended Universe. However, it also means that standalone films like Cronin’s The Mummy must stand on their own merits—and so far, it hasn’t quite done that.

For fans of classic horror, the film’s commitment to practical effects and atmospheric dread is refreshing. For general audiences, however, the tonal inconsistencies may prove alienating. If Universal wants to revive its monster franchise, it may need to commit fully to either horror or adventure—or find a way to blend the two seamlessly.

The lesson of The Mummy is clear: Legacy franchises can’t rely on nostalgia alone. They need a strong creative vision, a clear identity, and a willingness to take risks. Whether Cronin’s film achieves that remains to be seen, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Final Verdict: A Flawed but Ambitious Take

The Mummy is far from a disaster, but it’s also not the revitalization Universal hoped for. It’s a film that tries to do too much, shifting between genres and tones without ever fully committing to one. Yet, there’s something intriguing about its ambition—a willingness to embrace horror and ambiguity in a franchise that has historically leaned on spectacle. For fans of atmospheric horror or Cronin’s previous work, it’s worth a watch. For everyone else, it may feel like a missed opportunity.

If Universal is serious about reviving its monster franchise, it will need to learn from The Mummy’s missteps. A clearer vision, tighter pacing, and stronger worldbuilding could make all the difference in the next attempt.