There have been a ton of incrediblehorrorfilms for genre fans to chew on this year. From original gems likeCompanionto blood-soaked franchise returns likeFinal Destination Bloodlines, there’s much to scream about. However, not every sequel has been a success. The biggest example recently wasM3GAN 2.0.The Blumhouse sci-fi action comedy that was light on horror has barely done what its critically-acclaimed original film did in its opening weekend back in 2023. Now the AI panic film is near the end of its theatrical run. With that has come itsdigitaland physical media release dates.
Universal Pictures and Blumhouse have announced thatM3GAN 2.0will be coming to paid VOD digital platforms on Tuesday, July 15th (Tomorrow) for $24.99 USD. That’s just 18 days after its debut in theaters. The sequel will then come to4K, Blu-ray and DVD on September 23rd. This will include the previously announced4K steelbookand all the physical media editions will have the “Unrated Cut” of the film. The digital release will also feature this new cut. Other special features will include featurettes like “Total Upgrade: MakingM3GAN 2.0”, “Droid DNA”, “The Art of Slaying” and “Scene Breakdown: Embrace AI Conversation".
‘M3GAN’s Return Didn’t Slay
While the marketing forM3GAN 2.0was gigantic, with larger-than-lifetrailers, an endless database ofmerchandiseand an army of these AI dolls traveling around the country, this franchise sadly didn’t strike lightning twice.There are a lot of reasons why, but the main one is arguablyM3GAN’s genre switch up. The first film was this extremely fun and murderous horror comedy that had akiller topical edge to it. There was a real-world darkness which made this Blumhouse modern classic gel successfully together.
However, despite directorGerard Johnstoneand starsAllison Williams,Jenna DavisandViolet McGrawall returning,M3GAN 2.0almost entirelyleft the horror genre behind.In the vein ofTerminator 2: Judgment Day, this sequel is a sci-fi action film that cranks up the humor. This is to the point which almost makes it feel like aparody of itself. That controversial change also caused M3GAN 2.0 to get a mixed 58% critic score onRotten Tomatoesand only make $36.4 million worldwide thus far. The original made $180 worldwide.
‘M3GAN’ Still Has a Genre Future
M3GAN 2.0is still in theaters despite itsdiminishing returns. You can get your tickets onFandango’s website. The franchise will be getting itsfirst spin-off,SOULM8TE, in January. From the sounds of it, this will be returningM3GANto its horror roots with a story about a sex doll getting too attached to its owner.
Source:Universal Pictures
