Summary
TheM3GANfranchise has unveiled its latest AI killer for the upcoming spinoff,SOULM8TE. The 2022 horror hit saw a hard-working roboticist attempt to create a perfect doll-like artificial intelligence companion for her recently orphaned niece, though M3GAN’s (Amie Donald and Jenna Davis) dedication to her primary function turns her into a killer. With critical praise and an impressive box office gross,M3GANwill be expanded through a sequel and spin-off,SOULM8TE, which sees a recently widowed man attempt to create a soulmate, with lethal results.
WhileM3GAN 2.0won’t reactivate until 2025, Deadline has revealedSOULM8TEhas found its AI. Kate Dolan’s spin-offwill be led by Lily Sullivan, who is currently the only announced cast member for the feature. Sullivan previously starred inEvil Dead Riseas Beth, an aunt forced to arm herself to defend her family and apartment home from an unbound Deadite menace sweeping the building.
SOULM8TEWill Be A Daring Expansion To TheM3GANUniverse
SOULM8TEWill Be A Much More Personal Horror
WhileSOULM8TEis set within the world ofM3GANand will undoubtedly have some ties to the technology that brought the original killer doll to life, the premise of the spin-off alone will be a much different affair from the first film. Though each android is developed partly as a response to grief,SOULM8TE’sandroid is developed to help a husband move on from his passed wife, carrying all the romantic complexities that such a project will bring. As such, the spin-off may find itself being a slower burn less reliant on the slasher antics and venturing more into thriller territory.
Regardless of how farSOULM8TEwill lean into the more camp, horror elements that helpedM3GANstand out, Sullivan’s horror experience may leave viewers already eager to see the spin-off.
With M3GAN, the mechanical menace’s horror was derived from its obsessive faithfulness to fulfilling its programming, no matter how much blood must be spilled.SOULM8TE, while promising similar themes,is also raising the question of sentience within its machines, which could lead to a more complex dynamic. However,M3GAN 2.0is sure to provide familiar elements of the campy violence that made the 2022 feature a hit while picking up the story followingM3GAN’sending.
M3GAN’s Spinoff Plan Sets Up A Cinematic Universe That Can Rival This $2 Billion Horror Franchise
M3GAN’s tantalizing plans for a spinoff movie could set up a cinematic universe to rival the highest-grossing horror franchise of all time.
Regardless of how farSOULM8TEwill lean into the more camp, horror elements that helpedM3GANstand out, Sullivan’s horror experience may leave viewers already eager to see the spin-off. After having impressed viewers by fending off Deadite hordes, part ofSOULM8TE’sappeal may be seeing how Sullivan will play a terrifying foe, subverting her final girl star status. WithSOULM8TEfinding its AI, it won’t be long until Dolan’s spin-off finds the other half of its undoubtedly tragic, doomed couple.
M3GAN
Cast
M3GAN follows a toy company roboticist who creates an AI doll designed to emotionally bond with her orphaned niece. As the doll’s programming becomes excessively protective, it leads to unforeseen and alarming consequences. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence and emotional connections.
