The killer doll's cinematic empire appears to be crumbling before it was even built. Universal Pictures has pulled the plug on its scheduled release for SOULM8TE, an adult-oriented spinoff of the wildly popular M3GAN franchise, casting serious doubt on the future of the AI-driven horror universe.

This move signals significant trouble for a franchise that, just two years ago, seemed like an unstoppable force. The original M3GAN film was a viral sensation and a box office juggernaut, tapping into a global conversation about the promises and perils of artificial intelligence. Its sequel, however, failed to replicate that success, leading the studio to halt its ambitious expansion plans.

The core of the issue is financial. The first M3GAN film, released in 2022, was a staggering success, earning over $181 million (approx. KES 23.5 billion) worldwide on a lean $12 million budget. In stark contrast, M3GAN 2.0, which arrived earlier this year, saw its earnings plummet to just $39 million (approx. KES 5.1 billion) against a larger budget of around $25 million. This dramatic drop-off in audience interest is seen as the primary reason for shelving the spinoff.

From Viral Hit to Box Office Miss

The decision, reported by industry outlets like Deadline, means SOULM8TE will no longer have its January 9 release date and will instead be shopped to other distributors. The film, directed by Kate Dolan and produced by horror titans James Wan and Jason Blum, was intended to be an erotic thriller exploring similar AI themes for a more mature audience.

For Kenyan audiences, the first film's success was not just about the scares; it resonated with a rapidly digitizing society grappling with the role of technology in daily life. From discussions on AI's place in the workforce to its influence on social relationships, M3GAN's dark, satirical take felt timely. The sequel's failure to connect suggests that the initial novelty may have worn off, or that its shift in tone alienated the original fanbase.

Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum admitted they may have "classically overthought" the sequel, believing the character of M3GAN was invincible enough to handle changes in genre and tone. The studio is now left to reconsider its strategy for a once-promising universe.

While the fate of SOULM8TE hangs in the balance, potentially finding a new home on a streaming service, the grand vision for a multi-film M3GAN world is now on indefinite hold. The dancing doll's reign, for now, appears to be over.