The feature “Curse of the Mummy” (2026) hit theaters this month, but test screenings were marked by harsh criticism. The central point of the controversy was the presence – or rather, the absence – of Brendan Fraser, who, although he did not take part in the film, ended up influencing the audience’s perception. The original title in the U.S., “The Mummy”, led viewers to expect the traditional Universal franchise adventure, but they were surprised by intense horror, focused on possession and body horror.
One of the most discussed moments was the scene of a scorpion entering the victim’s mouth and cutting their vocal cords, a detail many found excessively graphic. This negative reaction was so strong that producers even considered removing the word “Mummy” from the film’s title.
The situation gained even more traction when insider ViewerAnon revealed that the Blumhouse production company had been posting daily on X/Twitter the message that Brendan Fraser is not part of the project, trying to distance the actor’s image from the production. Meanwhile, Fraser remains active in the mummy universe, with another film slated for the end of the year, alongside Rachel Weisz and John Hannah, which ignores the third title of Universal’s series.
“Curse of the Mummy”, directed by Lee Cronin, premieres in theaters on April 15, without Fraser’s participation, and promises to deliver a horror experience different from what fans of the classic franchise expected.
