Lee Cronin’s The Mummy Struggles With Test Audiences and Shocking Scenes

Anticipation has been building for the latest take on a classic monster, but the journey to the big screen hasn’t been smooth for Lee Cronin’s The Mummy. As the film ’s April 17, 2026, release date approaches, reports have surfaced that the project is hitting some major bumps during test screenings, leaving the studio with more questions than answers.

Word has it that Warner Bros. even considered changing the movie ’s title amid concerns about its reception. Early audience reactions have been less than favorable, with some viewers reportedly unable to sit through the entire film. One particularly notable incident involved producer James Wan, known for his work on Saw, allegedly leaving a screening halfway through. While these reports should be taken cautiously, they’ve certainly fueled speculation about the film’s direction and tone.

Plot Twists and a Dark New Vision

The story centers on a journalist’s daughter who vanishes in the desert, only to return eight years later. What should be a joyful reunion quickly spirals into a supernatural nightmare for her family. This bold reimagining of the iconic tale comes from Lee Cronin, the filmmaker behind Evil Dead Rise, who’s known for pushing boundaries in the horror genre.

The cast features Jack Reynor, Laia Costa, Verónica Falcón, May Calamawy, May Elghety, Natalie Grace, Shylo Molina, Billie Roy, and Hayat Kamille. With Cronin at the helm, expectations were high following his previous success, but the film’s intense approach seems to be dividing early viewers.

Unsettling Horror and Graphic Content

One of the most talked-about elements is a scene described as “truly vile,” which reportedly surpasses the gore and shock value of recent horror hits. According to those familiar with the screenings, there’s a moment involving a scorpion crawling into someone’s mouth and severing their vocal cords, forcing another character to reach down their throat and press on the cords so they can speak. The film runs for two hours, suggesting there’s plenty more disturbing content in store.

It’s unclear if this level of intensity is the main reason for the negative test screening feedback, but fans of Cronin’s previous work may find exactly what they’re looking for. The Mummy appears to take the gruesome elements of Evil Dead Rise and push them even further, promising a horror experience that’s not for the faint of heart.

Test Screenings and Audience Reactions

Test screenings are often unpredictable, and their results don’t always reflect how a film will be received by the general public. Past examples, like the mixed reactions to Superman, show that early feedback can be misleading. Still, the controversy surrounding The Mummy’s graphic scenes and the strong reactions from test audiences have put the spotlight on Cronin’s bold vision for this legendary monster story.