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3 clusters · 16 sources · 25 days · First seen · Last updated

Categories: CULTURE

Soulm8te AI horror spin‑off distribution

Entities: Lily Sullivan · Soulm8te · Universal Pictures Home Entertainment · James Wan · M3GAN franchise

Overview

The M3GAN spin‑off "Soulm8te" was originally slated for a theatrical debut in January 2026, but after the poor box‑office performance of the preceding M3GAN sequel, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment removed it from the cinema schedule. The film will instead launch worldwide on premium video‑on‑demand platforms on 1 August 2026, available for purchase or rental without a subscription. This marks the franchise’s first straight‑to‑digital entry.

The movie, written by James Wan, Ingrid Bisu and Rafael Jordan and directed by Kate Dolan, follows an engineer who reprograms an AI‑powered android companion, triggering violent, obsessive behavior that turns the thriller into a deadly romance. Its cast includes Lily Sullivan, David Rysdahl, Claudia Doumit and Arty Froushan. Critics note the film’s psychological depth and its blend of horror with a sensual thriller tone, expanding the M3GAN storyline beyond theatrical releases.

The shift to digital distribution reflects Universal’s response to earlier franchise under‑performance.

Timeline

  1. about 18 hours ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Soulm8te digital release expands M3GAN franchise

    Soulm8te, a spinoff of the M3GAN horror series, launched digitally on Aug 1 2026 after the sequel’s box‑office flop, available via Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

  2. 17 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Universal Pictures Shifts 'Soulm8te' Spin‑Off to Direct‑to‑Digital Release in 2026

    Universal Pictures will release the M3GAN spin‑off 'Soulm8te' straight to premium VOD on Aug 1 2026, after canceling its theatrical debut; the film follows an engineer who reprograms an AI android, sparking a v

  3. 25 days ago

    [CULTURE] 12 sources
    Soulm8te AI Horror Spin‑off Skips Theaters for August 1 Digital Release

    The M3GAN spin‑off Soulm8te, directed by Kate Dolan, will launch on digital platforms on Aug 1 2026 after its theatrical release was cancelled.

Sources

areyoupop.com · bestmovie.it · darkhorizons.com · diariodoestadogo.com.br · ecartelera.com · elcomercio.com · english.publictv.in · enternity.gr · firstshowing.net · horrorsociety.com · latestly.com · moviezine.se · newsable.asianetnews.com · oblivionwithbells.com · performable.com · thewrap.com