Fans of the acclaimed sci-fi horror film M3GAN have been left disappointed after learning that a highly anticipated spin-off movie has been abruptly pulled from its scheduled release.
What Was SOULM8TE And Why Was It Cancelled?
The film, titled SOULM8TE, was set to expand the universe established by the 2022 hit. Directed by Kate Dolan and produced by horror maestro James Wan, it was billed as an erotic thriller with a technological twist. The plot followed a man using an AI robot to cope with his wife's death, with his attempts to create a sentient partner leading to disastrous outcomes.
Wan had previously described the project as "like Fatal Attraction but with robots," noting it would view the same AI world as M3GAN through a more adult lens, inspired by 1990s erotic thrillers. The cast included notable actors like Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise), David Rysdahl (Alien: Earth), and Claudia Doumit (The Boys).
However, according to industry publication Deadline, Universal Pictures has now scrapped the film's planned January release date. The studio is reportedly "shopping" the project, meaning it is seeking a new distributor or platform, with no updated release window provided.
Fan Backlash and Sequel Context
The news has sparked a swift and vocal reaction from the franchise's dedicated fanbase online. Many expressed frustration, with comments ranging from pleas to "just release it" to disappointment over the unique concept being shelved. One fan lamented, "Wait but noo this concept sounds so fun," while another defended the project, stating, "No! Why’s everyone hating? You never let it have a chance."
Some suggested an alternative release strategy, with one fan begging, "Just release to streaming, man I need SOULM8TE to complete my M3GAN collection."
This development follows the release of M3GAN 2.0 earlier this year, a direct sequel that failed to match the commercial success of the original. The first M3GAN film was a major hit, turning a profit of around $80 million and earning stellar reviews, including a 93% critics' score on Rotten Tomatoes. It was praised as an "ingenious" and "nearly perfect" blend of horror and social commentary on technology's dangers.
The Legacy of the Original M3GAN
Despite the sequel's performance and the spin-off's setback, the original film's reputation remains strong. It holds an impressive 78% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes and continues to be revered for its clever premise and effective villain. Reviewers highlighted it as a "well-executed horror comedy" with a timely message about human reliance on technology and the erosion of social skills.
The film's success cemented its status as a modern cult classic, making the cancellation of a related project a significant blow to its enthusiastic followers who were eager to see the universe grow in a new, daring direction.
