Kate Dolan, the visionary director behind the pulse-pounding 2021 thriller 'You Are Not My Mother,' has signed on to helm the upcoming film in the ever-expanding horror landscape. The highly anticipated spinoff of the smash hit 'M3GAN,' produced by James Wan's renowned Atomic Monster and Jason Blum's Blumhouse, is now in full development as 'SOULM8TE.' This thrilling addition to the 'M3GAN' universe, brought to life by Wan and Blum, is already set for a worldwide release on January 2, 2026, by Universal Pictures, following in the footsteps of 'M3GAN's' successful January 6, 2023 premiere, which raked in a staggering $181 million globally.
Dolan, renowned for her captivating directorial style in 'You Are Not My Mother,' is not just helming this project but has also rewritten the script, originally penned by Rafael Jordan (of 'Salvage Marines'). The story, crafted by Wan, Ingrid Bisu, and Jordan, weaves an erotic thriller narrative where a grieving man turns to an Artificially Intelligent android in an attempt to cope with the loss of his beloved wife. However, in a bid to create a sentient companion, he inadvertently transforms a seemingly harmless lovebot into a lethally seductive soulmate.
This project aims to evoke the intense domestic thrillers of the 1990s, while infusing a contemporary technological twist. "Fundamentally, I see this film as a profound exploration of human relationships and the solitude that often accompanies them," Dolan expressed in a statement. "Despite the leaps and bounds of technology, there are certain enduring truths about humanity that we cannot escape, and I am eager to delve into those depths."
The executive producing team includes Michael Clear and Judson Scott from Wan's Atomic Monster banner, along with Ingrid Bisu. Alayna Glasthal oversees the project for Atomic Monster, ensuring its smooth progress. "'SOULM8TE' is a seductive and pulse-pounding addition to the 'M3GAN' universe," Wan stated with enthusiasm.
The expanding 'M3GAN' universe already boasts a sequel, 'M3GAN 2.0,' set to premiere on June 27, 2025, with stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprising their roles. Dolan, whose directorial debut 'Mother' premiered at TIFF's Midnight Madness and garnered significant recognition, is represented by Independent Talent Group, Exile Entertainment, and Jackoway Tyerman. Jordan is represented by Broadcasting Diplomacy.
