Daily Technology
·17/12/2025
The burgeoning cinematic universe centered around the killer AI doll M3GAN appears to be in jeopardy. Following a less impactful sequel, "M3GAN 2.0," the erotic thriller spinoff "SOULM8TE," initially slated for release, has been removed from Universal's schedule. This move raises questions about the future expansion of the M3GAN franchise.
Universal has officially removed the erotic thriller "SOULM8TE" from its release calendar. The film, which was set to star Lily Sullivan and was described by producer James Wan as "Fatal Attraction but with robots," was originally scheduled for release on January 9. While not entirely canceled, the studio is now looking to shop the project to other distributors.
The decision to pull "SOULM8TE" comes shortly after the disappointing box office performance of "M3GAN 2.0." While the sequel did manage to recoup its $25 million budget by earning $39 million, it fell far short of the original "M3GAN's" impressive $181 million global haul. This significant drop in financial success is cited as a major factor in the studio's decision regarding the spinoff.
With "SOULM8TE" being shopped around and "M3GAN 2.0" failing to replicate the original's success, the future of a wider "M3GAN" cinematic universe is uncertain. The first film, released in 2022, was a critical and commercial hit, praised for its blend of camp, gore, and timely commentary on AI. The subsequent projects have not managed to capture the same momentum, leaving fans to wonder if the killer doll's reign will continue to expand.
For those seeking a "robot girlfriend" thriller, "Companion," starring Sophie Thatcher, is currently streaming on HBO Max.









