In Japan, the release of 'M3GAN 2.0' will not lead to box office dominance
In the world of cinema, the fate of a much-anticipated sequel has taken an unexpected turn. M3GAN 2.0, the action-horror sequel that was set to hit Japanese theatres on October 10, 2025, has had its release canceled.
The cancellation was announced on the movie's Japanese Twitter account, but the reason behind this decision remains unclear. Sources confirm the cancellation but offer no explanations or details regarding the rationale behind this decision.
M3GAN 2.0, which was released in North America and other territories in late June, faced significant competition from "How to Train Your Dragon" and "F1" during its initial release. The poor box office performance of the sequel, as admitted by Blumhouse head Jason Blum, suggests that it "bit off more than it could chew."
The cancellation of the Japanese release of M3GAN 2.0 might mean we won't see the android again for quite a while, if at all. However, the upcoming spinoff of the M3GAN franchise, titled SOULM8TE, could potentially save the franchise.
SOULM8TE, an erotic thriller starring Lily Sullivan and David Rysdahl, is expected for release in January 2026. Meanwhile, U.S. fans can watch M3GAN 2.0 digitally, and the unrated physical release of the movie is scheduled for September 23.
At the time of writing, Universal has not announced if it will put M3GAN 2.0 on streaming in the region. The cancellation of the Japanese release has left the future of the M3GAN franchise uncertain, but with SOULM8TE on the horizon, there's still hope for the android's return.
[1] [Source 1] [2] [Source 2]
[1] Despite the cancellation of M3GAN 2.0's Japanese release, the AI-powered android might find a new life on streaming platforms, as Universal has yet to announce their plans for digital streaming in the region.
[2] Moreover, the upcoming erotic thriller SOULM8TE, set for release in January 2026, could breathe new life into the M3GAN franchise, which is currently available for digital purchase in North America.
[3] With powerhouse studios like Universal and Disney shaping the future of entertainment through streaming services like Disney+ and Peacock, it's not unimaginable for M3GAN to make a stellar return to the world of movies-and-tv.
