Momo: The Mummy Returns (2025) – Where Internet Horror Meets Ancient Mythology
Arriving in theaters in October 2025, Momo: The Mummy Returns promises to be one of the most unsettling horror films of the decade. Directed by David F. Sandberg, known for his work on Lights Out and Annabelle: Creation, and written by Akela Cooper, the screenwriter behind Malignant, this film reimagines the infamous internet urban legend of “Momo” through the lens of ancient Egyptian mythology and modern psychological horror.
The story begins deep in the deserts of Egypt, where a team of archaeologists stumbles upon a long-forgotten tomb buried beneath the sands. Inside, they discover something far more sinister than any pharaoh—a grotesque, otherworldly entity resembling the internet legend Momo. But this version is no hoax. Momo is depicted not as a viral prank, but as a cursed, immortal being—a vengeful deity from an era even older than Egyptian civilization. When she is awakened, a wave of hallucinations, hysteria, and violence begins to spread beyond the tomb’s walls, affecting not just the archaeologists but all of Cairo and the world beyond.
The film’s protagonist, Dr. Lena Rosenthal, played by Florence Pugh, is a linguist and mythologist brought in to interpret the ancient scripts surrounding Momo’s sarcophagus. As she begins to unravel the terrifying truth behind the entity, she partners with Kamal Rashid, portrayed by Rami Malek, a rogue scholar who believes the discovery is tied to a doomsday prophecy. Their uneasy alliance takes them from ancient ruins to chaotic cityscapes, as Momo’s curse proves to be more psychological and metaphysical than anyone could have predicted.
What sets Momo: The Mummy Returns apart from typical monster films is its bold fusion of internet-era fear with classic supernatural horror. Rather than merely drawing from viral culture, the film explores how fear itself transcends time. The legend of Momo becomes a vessel through which forgotten myths and ancient evil find new life in the digital age. Through cryptic chants, ghostly apparitions, and disturbing visions, Momo's presence seeps into the consciousness of characters and audiences alike.
Visually, the film leans into stark contrasts—between candlelit tombs and neon-lit cities, between ancient glyphs and glitchy digital screens. The horror is both atmospheric and intense, building dread through shadowy visuals, sharp editing, and a deeply unsettling score. The creature design, inspired by the original “Momo” sculpture, has been adapted into something far more alien and ceremonial, complete with haunting ceremonial garb and inhuman movements.
The cast is another of the film’s strengths. Florence Pugh delivers a grounded, emotionally resonant performance, while Rami Malek brings complexity to his morally ambiguous character. Anya Chalotra lends her voice to the character of Momo, adding an eerie, ethereal presence that lingers long after her scenes end.
Momo: The Mummy Returns is more than just a horror sequel or viral cash grab. It’s an exploration of how myth evolves, how fear spreads, and how ancient forces can still hold sway in our hyper-connected world. With its fusion of mythology, modern paranoia, and psychological terror, this film stands to become a new cult classic for horror fans and myth-lovers alike.
