Since James Wan created “Dead Silence” in 2007 and “Annabelle” in 2014, it has become clear that he loves crafting doll-themed horror movies. This passion was further evident with his recent film “M3GAN,” which achieved great success at the box office, grossing $181 million from a budget of $12 million.
As with any beloved Blumhouse production, it looks like the killer humanoid will also have a universe of its own. Both Wan and Jason Blum have confirmed that a film to expand this world, called “SOULM8TE,” is already in the works.
Fans of the Malaysian filmmaker know this is a great deal. If he continues to develop the story of his new famous doll, it could be enlarged into a franchise as big as “Insidious” or “The Conjuring.”
All that is known about ‘SOULM8TE’
As its title indicates, “SOULM8TE” is poised to focus on a love relationship. It will follow a man who, after losing his wife, seeks to find her in an artificial intelligence android. However, nothing goes as planned, and the robot quickly turns into a dangerous enemy. The story will be set in the 1990s.
According to Deadline, the movie will hit theaters on January 2 next year. This is a strategic decision, as the remaining months of 2024 are packed with big hits, from “MaXXXine” to “Nosferatu.”
The upcoming movie will be helmed by Kate Dolan, who directed “You Are Not My Mother,” a 2021 horror film that sparked interest among fans of the genre worldwide.
The story was created by James Wan and Ingrid Bisu. The couple, married since 2019, have collaborated on many of Wan’s projects, with Bisu working as an actress in “The Nun” and a producer for “Malignant.”
As per Dolan, this spin-off will explore philosophical themes. She stated: “Fundamentally, I view this film as an exploration of relationships and loneliness. Despite technological advances, there are enduring human truths we cannot escape, and I am looking forward to delving into those depths.”
For now, the confirmed cast includes Lily Sullivan, David Rysdahl, and Claudia Doumit. We’ll keep you updated as more names are added to the list!