Universal has released the first trailer for SOULM8TE, the latest film set within the M3GAN universe, while also confirming that the project will bypass a theatrical release in favor of a digital debut on August 1.
Released in 2023, M3GAN became a major commercial success, earning approximately $180 million worldwide and establishing the AI horror property as a new franchise for Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster.
Its sequel, M3GAN 2.0, expanded the series with a larger-scale action-focused story but generated a significantly smaller box office return, earning under $40 million globally despite receiving generally positive reviews from critics.
Originally scheduled for a theatrical release in early 2026, SOULM8TE was later removed from Universal’s release roster without further updates. The newly released trailer now confirms the film’s revised distribution strategy, with Universal opting for a digital release instead.
Directed by Kate Dolan (You Are Not My Mother), who co-wrote the screenplay with Rafael Jordan, SOULM8TE centers on Sara, an advanced android portrayed by Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise, Monolith). Following the death of his wife, widower David, played by David Rysdahl, acquires the AI companion in an effort to rebuild his personal life.
As David modifies Sara’s programming, the android begins exhibiting increasingly dangerous behavior, placing both him and those around him at risk. Claudia Doumit also stars as a new romantic interest who becomes involved as events escalate.
SOULM8TE is produced by James Wan and Jason Blum under the ongoing partnership between Atomic Monster and Blumhouse Productions. Universal Pictures will distribute the film digitally beginning 1 August.
