Lee Cronin’s horror film The Mummy opened domestically with a $5.2 million haul on Friday, falling short of Universal’s Super Mario Galaxy Movie, which maintained its top spot with $7.4 million on the same day, according to Variety. The Mummy’s opening day figure contrasts with earlier projections by Deadline that anticipated a stronger debut above $12 million based on $1.5 million from evening previews.
Critics have largely expressed disappointment with The Mummy’s storytelling and pacing, noting an underwhelming plot that fails to live up to its gruesome visuals. Mashable described the film as featuring impressive gore effects but criticized its reliance on familiar horror tropes and a storyline that feels incomplete, centering on a family haunted by the reappearance of their presumed dead daughter.
Several reviewers highlighted the film’s disturbing content, particularly scenes depicting cruelty toward children, which some found off-putting. The Bulwark specifically condemned the film’s portrayal of child suffering and grotesque possession, contrasting it unfavorably with other recent horror entries like Talk to Me and Bring Her Back that handle sensitive themes with more restraint and nuance.
Additionally, Guardian Culture pointed out issues with The Mummy’s lengthy runtime and tonal inconsistencies, arguing that the film fails to deliver sufficient scares or a fresh interpretation of the classic monster franchise. The production, released by Warner Bros and distinct from the Brendan Fraser series, was noted for prioritizing director Lee Cronin’s vision over celebrity casting, though this approach did not resonate strongly with critics.
Industry observers will be watching how The Mummy performs in the coming weeks, particularly if its critical reception impacts its box office legs in the face of continued strong competition from Super Mario Galaxy Movie and other spring releases. The film’s ability to maintain audience interest despite negative reviews and intense content will be crucial for Warner Bros and associated distributors.
Hayat Kamille
Veronica Falcón
Laia Costa
Emily Mitchell
Mick Cronin
May Calamawy
Jack Reynor
Atomic Monster
Warner Bros. Pictures
Blumhouse
