Lee Cronin's 'The Mummy' Leads New UK and Irish Cinema Releases This Weekend
Irish horror director Lee Cronin's reimagining of The Mummy leads a diverse slate of new cinema releases across the UK and Ireland this weekend, with early reviews describing it as a visceral and entertaining experience, while Jude Law stars in the political drama The Wizard of the Kremlin.
Background
Lee Cronin has established himself as one of the most exciting voices in contemporary horror cinema, having previously directed Evil Dead Rise to considerable critical and commercial success. His return to the genre with a new take on the classic mummy mythology has been one of the most anticipated horror releases of 2026 for UK and Irish audiences.
Key Developments
Lee Cronin's The Mummy opened in UK and Irish cinemas on 17 April 2026, with early reviews from Irish outlets describing the film as a nauseating Irish horror film but also an absolute blast, suggesting it delivers a visceral and entertaining experience that leans into the genre's more extreme possibilities. The film represents a significant departure from the more family-friendly iterations of the mummy mythology, embracing the horror genre's capacity for genuine shock and dread.
Also opening this weekend is The Wizard of the Kremlin, a political drama in which Jude Law lends gravitas, according to one review, though the film itself has been critiqued as somewhat clunky in its execution. The film explores the inner workings of Russian political power and has attracted attention for its timely subject matter given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Why It Matters
Lee Cronin's success represents a significant moment for Irish cinema, demonstrating that Irish directors can compete at the highest level of international genre filmmaking. The film's release also provides a boost to UK and Irish cinemas, which continue to recover from the disruptions of recent years and benefit from a strong slate of new releases to attract audiences.
What's Next
Box office results for the opening weekend will be closely watched, with industry observers keen to see whether Cronin's film can replicate the commercial success of Evil Dead Rise. The film's international release is expected to follow in the coming weeks. For more, see Screen Daily.
