Lee Cronin to Helm New Horror Film with Atomic Monster, Blumhouse, and New Line

Evil Dead Rise director Lee Cronin is set to write and direct a new movie for Atomic Monster, Blumhouse, and New Line Cinema. This upcoming film marks the first collaboration between the merged companies and Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group.

Cronin to Lead a Top-Secret Project

The new Lee Cronin movie boasts an April 17, 2026 release date. Although details remain scarce, it’s clear the project will stay within his well-known horror wheelhouse. As the director puts it, I am super excited to be gathering up my gang of oddballs from Doppelgängers to join forces with the overlords of horror at Blumhouse and Atomic Monster.

Pioneering Partnership in Horror

This exciting venture marks several firsts for Cronin and his collaborators. In Jason Blum’s words, Lee’s work is always fresh and surprising and he has an intriguing, modern take on something quite ancient that I think audiences will love. It is also the maiden collaboration between Atomic Monster, Blumhouse, and Warner Bros.

Sustaining Creative Autonomy After Merger

Following their recent merger, both Atomic Monster and Blumhouse expect to continue operating similarly to before. Importantly, both entities will retain control over their own creative autonomy and brand identity. This operational model ensures that their unique approaches will still be reflected in their projects.

James Wan of Atomic Monster notes, We really do complement each other, yin and yang, which is part of what makes this so exciting.

The Future of Evil Dead Franchise

Beyond this collaboration, the Evil Dead franchise is also seeing fresh developments. Two new movies are in the pipeline: one directed by Sébastien Vanicek (Vermin) and the other helmed by Francis Galluppi (The Last Stop In Yuma County). While it’s uncertain which will release first, fans have plenty to look forward to.

A New Era for Horror Films

This collaboration with Lee Cronin signifies a bold step into a new era for horror films. As James Wan aptly put it: We’re excited to collaborate with him on this project, and to bring viewers on a wildly entertaining ride. With such seasoned leaders at its helm, the upcoming film promises something both scary and spectacular.