By MICHAEL GINGOLD
A more adult AI goes awry in the Atomic Monster/Blumhouse production.
The two fright houses have announced that they are spinning off the M3GAN franchise with SOULM8TE, which already has a release date via Universal of January 2, 2026. The erotic thriller with “a new technological twist” will be directed by Kate Dolan (YOU ARE NOT MY MOTHER), who has rewritten the script by Rafael Jordan, based on a story by Atomic topper James Wan, Ingrid Bisu and Jordan. The synopsis: “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.”
“Fundamentally, I view this film as an exploration of relationships and loneliness,” Dolan says in a statement. “Despite technological advances, there are enduring human truths we cannot escape, and I am looking forward to delving into those depths.”
“SOULM8TE is a thrilling and seductive addition to the M3GAN universe,” says Wan, who is producing with Jason Blum. “We’re excited to partner with Kate to bring this story to life with her unique cinematic vision and point of view.” That universe also includes the direct sequel M3GAN 2.0, with director Gerard Johnstone, scripter Akela Cooper and stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw all returning, with release set for June 27, 2025.
