Lily Sullivan, best known for her role as Beth Bixler in the horror film ‘Evil Dead Rise’, has landed the lead role in ‘SOULM8TE’, a new film expanding the ‘M3GAN’ universe. Sullivan will portray the titular AI android, a sophisticated robot purchased by a grieving widower as a means to cope with his wife’s death. The android is intended to be a companion, a new partner for the man, but a dark twist unfolds as he transforms the harmless lovebot into a deadly soulmate.
‘SOULM8TE’ is being positioned as a unique blend of genres, described as a 1990s erotic thriller infused with a modern technological twist. The film’s premise explores the complex and often-unpredictable nature of artificial intelligence and its potential to blur the lines between companionship and obsession.
The project, announced in June, marks the first spinoff to the successful ‘M3GAN’ franchise from Atomic Monster and Blumhouse. ‘SOULM8TE’ will be directed by Kate Dolan, who previously helmed the critically acclaimed horror film ‘You Are Not My Mother’. Dolan has rewritten the original draft by Rafael Jordan, based on a story conceived by Jordan, James Wan, and Ingrid Bisu.
The production team boasts a strong lineup with Wan and Jason Blum serving as producers, while Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Ingrid Bisu, and Alayna Glasthal hold executive producer credits.
‘SOULM8TE’ is set to hit theaters on January 2, 2026, following the highly anticipated sequel to ‘M3GAN’, titled ‘M3GAN 2.0’. The original ‘M3GAN’, directed by Gerard Johnstone, achieved remarkable box office success, grossing $181 million worldwide on a budget of just $12 million. The film’s positive reception and commercial triumph paved the way for the sequel, which is slated for a theatrical release on June 27, 2025. Allison Williams and Violet McGraw, who starred in the original ‘M3GAN’, are set to reprise their roles for the sequel.
The ‘M3GAN’ franchise continues to captivate audiences with its exploration of the eerie and unpredictable nature of artificial intelligence. With the addition of ‘SOULM8TE’, the franchise promises to expand its reach and delve further into the complex and unsettling realm of AI-driven relationships.
