A Franchise Awakens in an Unexpected Location
The ancient curse of The Mummy has been reawakened, but not in the sun-scorched deserts of Egypt. Lee Cronin’s highly anticipated reimagining of the iconic horror franchise, which hit US theaters on April 17, 2026, has boldly traded pyramids for lush greenery and historic European architecture. The film’s primary filming locations in Ireland and Spain mark a significant departure for the series, promising a completely new visual and atmospheric experience for fans and signaling a potential new hotspot for film tourists.
From Desert Sands to Emerald Isles
A Strategic Shift in Scenery
For decades, The Mummy has been synonymous with Egypt. Even the wildly popular 1999 blockbuster starring Brendan Fraser, while famously filmed in Morocco, meticulously recreated an Egyptian setting. Cronin’s version deliberately shatters this tradition. This move is more than just a change of scenery; it’s a creative choice to ground the supernatural horror in a different kind of reality. By utilizing the moody, atmospheric landscapes of Europe, the film aims for a claustrophobic tension, a signature style seen in Cronin’s previous work like Evil Dead Rise.
This decision also reflects a practical industry trend. Ireland, in particular, has become a major hub for international productions thanks to its attractive tax incentives, such as the Section 481 tax credit, and world-class studio facilities.
The Heart of Production: Ardmore Studios, Ireland
The main production base for The Mummy was Ireland’s legendary Ardmore Studios in County Wicklow. Nestled just outside Dublin, this historic studio has been the creative home for cinematic masterpieces like Braveheart and acclaimed television series such as The Tudors and Vikings. Its state-of-the-art soundstages provided the perfect controlled environment for the film’s complex indoor sequences and intricate special effects. The choice of Wicklow, often called the “Garden of Ireland,” also offered the production a rich tapestry of dramatic coastlines, ancient forests, and rolling hills right on its doorstep.
Spain’s Undisclosed Vistas
To achieve a broader visual scope, the production team also traveled to Spain. While the specific locations remain a well-guarded secret, the country’s diverse geography was tapped for key exterior shots. Spain offers a remarkable range of landscapes, from the rugged, almost alien-like terrain of its semi-arid regions to its ancient castles and Gothic architecture. This variety allowed the filmmakers to craft unique and expansive backdrops that distinguish this installment from all its predecessors, providing a visual style that is both grand and unsettling.
The Future of Film Tourism: A New Pilgrimage for Horror Fans?
The “Game of Thrones” Effect
The impact of a major production on local tourism can be immense. Northern Ireland, for example, experienced a massive surge in tourism after serving as a primary filming location for Game of Thrones. The series is estimated to have generated over £250 million in tourism revenue for the regional economy, with fans flocking from around the globe to visit “Westeros.”
Could The Mummy create a similar effect for its new European homes? If the film becomes a global success, we can expect to see a new wave of horror and adventure fans adding County Wicklow and specific regions of Spain to their travel itineraries. Tour operators may soon offer “Mummy-themed” location tours, guiding visitors through the real-life settings of the film’s most terrifying moments.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers seeking a new adventure, Lee Cronin’s The Mummy offers more than just a cinematic thrill. It presents an opportunity to explore the stunning, and perhaps now slightly spookier, landscapes of Ireland and Spain. Instead of searching for tombs in the Valley of the Kings, the modern movie adventurer might find themselves hiking the Wicklow Mountains or exploring a remote Spanish village, tracing the footsteps of a brand-new monster. This European setting has not only redefined a classic horror franchise but has also potentially unearthed the next great destinations for film lovers worldwide.
