Amie Donald stars as ‘M3gan.’
Universal Pictures/Courtesy Everett Collection
M3GAN, the hit horror movie from James Wan’s Atomic Monster and Jason Blum’s Blumhouse, is getting a spinoff.
The two companies known for their horror output, are in active development on SOULM8TE, a thriller that expands the M3GAN universe, according to Wan and Blum, who are producing the project.
SOULM8TE is on the fast-track: the project is already dated for a Jan. 2, 2026 release via Universal. That’s a similar berth as M3GAN, which opened Jan. 6, 2023 before going on to dance its way to a $181 million worldwide.
Kate Dolan, who helmed the 2021 thriller You Are Not My Mother, is on board to direct the feature. She also rewrote the script, which was originally written by Rafael Jordan (Salvage Marines). The story is by Wan, Ingrid Bisu and Jordan.
Described as an erotic thriller, the film sees a man acquires an Artificially Intelligent android to cope with the loss of his recently deceased wife. In an attempt to create a truly sentient partner, he inadvertently turns a harmless lovebot into a deadly soulmate.
The project aims to harken back to the domestic thrillers from the 1990s but with a modern, technological twist.
“Fundamentally, I view this film as an exploration of relationships and loneliness,” Dolan said in a statement. “Despite technological advances, there are enduring human truths we cannot escape, and I am looking forward to delving into those depths.”
Michael Clear and Judson Scott of Wan’s Atomic Monster banner are executive producing, along with Bisu. Alayna Glasthal is the executive overseeing the project for Atomic Monster.
“SOULM8TE is a thrilling and seductive addition to the M3GAN universe,” stated Wan.
That growing universe includes M3GAN 2.0, the sequel which is set to open on June 27, 2025. Stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw are returning.
Dolan, whose Mother premiered at TIFF’s Midnight Madness sidebar where it garnered a first runner up People’s Choice Award, is repped by Independent Talent Group, Exile Entertainment and Jackoway Tyerman.
Jordan is repped by Broadcasting Diplomacy.
