In a thrilling announcement, Atomic Monster and Blumhouse have confirmed that Lee Cronin, the director behind “Evil Dead Rise,” will helm a new film set for release in 2026. This project marks the first collaboration between the recently merged companies, led by horror maestros James Wan and Jason Blum, and will be distributed by New Line Cinema.
Cronin, who will both write and direct the film, expressed his excitement about the partnership. “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. Collaborating with Jason, James, and the wonderful teams from these two storied and massively successful organizations is what perfect nightmares are made of. Getting to return to New Line Cinema and my wonderful partners over there is the cherry on top. I’ve got something wickedly entertaining and terrifying hidden up my sleeve, and I can’t wait to bring it screaming to the big screen on April 17th, 2026,” Cronin said in a statement.
James Wan, the CEO and founder of Atomic Monster, praised Cronin’s talent. “Lee is a gifted filmmaker in the world of horror whose storytelling has electrified audiences. We’re excited to collaborate with him on this project, and to bring viewers on a wildly entertaining ride,” Wan said.
Jason Blum, CEO and founder of Blumhouse, echoed Wan’s sentiments. “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. This also marks an exciting series of firsts for us: Atomic Monster and Blumhouse’s first time working with Lee and our first joint project for Warner Bros. We can’t wait to get started,” Blum added.
The film, which remains untitled, will be co-financed by Atomic Monster and Blumhouse. James Wan and Jason Blum will serve as producers, with Michael Clear and Judson Scott as executive producers. Alayna Glasthal will oversee the project for Atomic Monster.
Cronin’s previous film, “Evil Dead Rise,” was a significant success, grossing nearly $150 million worldwide. The film was initially intended for an HBO Max release but was later given a theatrical release following its world premiere at SXSW.
Lee Cronin first gained attention with his debut feature film, “The Hole in the Ground,” which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2019 and was released by A24. The film earned Cronin a Saturn Award nomination for Breakthrough Director. Building on this success, Cronin launched Doppelgängers, a production company focused on genre films and television projects, in collaboration with John Keville and Macdara Kelleher of Wild Atlantic Pictures. Doppelgängers has already signed a first-look deal with New Line Cinema for its feature film projects.
Under the Doppelgängers banner, Cronin is currently developing a horror-thriller titled “Thaw” with New Line Cinema. The company aims to produce, write, and direct genre-focused feature films and television projects.
Lee Cronin is represented by CAA, MGMT Entertainment, and the law firm Jackoway Austen Tyerman Wertheimer Mandelbaum Morris Bernstein Trattner Auerbach Hynick Jaime LeVine Sample & Klein.
The new film, described as a modern take on something ancient, is set to be released on April 17, 2026. While the plot details remain under wraps, the collaboration between Atomic Monster, Blumhouse, and New Line Cinema promises a thrilling and terrifying experience for horror fans.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting project as they become available.
