The highly anticipated sequel, M3GAN 2.0, has already arrived on digital platforms after just three weekends in theaters, and the buzz around the movie is far from positive.
Despite a promising start with its predecessor’s $180 million global box office haul, M3GAN 2.0 has struggled to replicate that success, grossing just $36.5 million worldwide.
During its theatrical run, the movie made $22.4 million domestically and a disappointing $14 million internationally. These figures don’t bode well for Blumhouse, especially considering the mixed reviews. IGN gave the film a 6/10, noting that while M3GAN 2.0 attempted to shift genres from horror to sci-fi and action, it was still M3GAN’s wicked charm and killer moves that stole the show, rather than the new genre.
Blumhouse made a bold decision to release the film in the summer, a crowded season for blockbuster films, and quickly learned that shifting genres-especially so soon after the first film’s success-may have been a misstep. Jason Blum, head of Blumhouse, admitted that the team overthought the appeal of genre-swapping and that the audience wanted more of the same M3GAN they fell in love with. Blum’s reflections highlight a critical lesson learned in the film industry: don’t mess with what works unless you’re sure of the outcome.
Fans had high expectations, but the result was a movie that struggled to find its footing, caught between being a family-friendly action flick and a sci-fi adventure. M3GAN herself, however, was not the issue. Her charm and sharp wit remain as potent as ever, proving once again that her star power was not to be underestimated.
Although the movie flopped at the box office, there’s hope that it will find its audience on digital platforms, with the film’s digital release on July 15 and a physical release slated for September. Despite the shaky reception, Blumhouse will likely try again with future projects, including the anticipated Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 this December.
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