Universal Cancels M3GAN Spin-Off SOULM8TE After Series of Blumhouse Missteps in 2025

Horror enthusiasts might be in for a long wait for the M3GAN spin-off film SOULM8TE, as it has reportedly been pulled from its scheduled release.

The erotic thriller has been dropped by its distributor, with Blumhouse and Atomic Monster now on the hunt for a new home for the film. Initially set to premiere in January 2026, the timeline for its release is now uncertain.

Directed by Kate Dolan, known for You Are Not My Mother, SOULM8TE was first announced in June 2024 and is set within the M3GAN universe. The plot follows a recently widowed man who acquires an AI bot, portrayed by Lily Sullivan, to help him cope with the loss of his wife. However, his attempt to create a sentient partner leads to the transformation of a harmless lovebot into a dangerous soulmate. The cast also includes Claudia Doumit, Isabelle Bonfrer, Emma Ramos, and Sydney Blackburn.

The news of the film’s delay isn’t entirely shocking, as signs pointed to trouble. With the release just weeks away, Universal had yet to unveil a trailer or any first-look images. A sneak peek was shown at CinemaCon in Spring 2025, revealing the AI bot’s unsettling obsession with its owner, but that footage never made it online.

The decision to pull SOULM8TE may be influenced by Blumhouse’s recent streak of horror disappointments. While the original M3GAN raked in $180 million globally and gained a cult following, its sequel, M3GAN 2.0, only managed $39 million. Similarly, The Black Phone 2 did not surpass its predecessor. On a brighter note, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 is performing well in theaters, grossing over $175 million and achieving the biggest December opening for the studio.

In the meantime, Paramount’s upcoming chimp-themed horror film has taken over SOULM8TE’s release slot, leaving the future of the M3GAN spin-off uncertain.