Summary

M3GANspinoffSOULM8TEhas cast a star fromThe Boysin a key role, revealing more about the new installment as the AI franchise continues to expand. TheupcomingSOULM8TEmoviewas announced in June 2024, starring David Rysdahl (No Exit) as a grieving man using an android, played by Lily Sullivan (Evil Dead Rise), to cope with the death of his wife. While the direct connection to the original 2023 movie has yet to be revealed, the film will explore AI within the same setting as its predecessor.

Now,Deadlinehas confirmed that Claudia Doumit, best known for her role as Victoria Neuman inThe Boyswill be joining the cast ofSOULM8TE. The actor’s role in theM3GANspinoff has yet to be confirmed, however she is expected to star opposite Rysdahl and Sullivan throughout the movie. Her attachment could mean the spinoff ends up becoming just as successful as the film that launched the budding shared universe.

SOULM8TEis directed by Kate Dolan, who also serves as writer. The story is based on ideas from James Wan, Ingrid Bisu, and original screenplay writer Rafael Jordan.

How SOULM8TE Expands The M3GAN Franchise

The Movie Can Offer A New Take On AI Companionship

Theend ofM3GANexplored the dangers of using AI technology as a companion, alongside how unpredictable rogue technology can become when not properly moderated. Now, with the franchise set to expand throughSOULM8TE, the idea of romantic companionship using technology can be explored in the same terrifying setting. While it’s currently unclear how the stories of both movies will connect to one another, their thematic resonance with each other could be one way in which they mesh together. Doumit joining the movie could help further its themes as well, depending on her role.

While it’s unclear what the actor’s role is going to be, chances are she’ll end up an important third party to the way Rhysdahl’s character is coping with his wife’s death. This could make her the human side of reconnecting with others after a tragic loss, while Sullivan’s character becomes the idealized AI employed to help using technological pursuits. Since the theme ofM3GANwas the dangers of relying on technology for companionship, it would make sense for a similar idea to be explored through its spinoff.

It’s also possible the movie ends up connecting to theupcomingM3GAN 2.0, scheduled to come out next year prior toSOULM8TE’s 2026 release. Perhaps the direct sequel will better set the stage for the spinoff, further solidifying what to expect from the new take on AI horror. With plenty of time before the movie arrives in theaters, it seems Doumit’s role will become more concrete when the film enters production.

M3GAN 2.0

SOULM8TE

Cast

Soulm8te follows a grieving man who uses an artificially intelligent android to cope with the loss of his wife. However, his efforts to create a sentient companion lead to unintended consequences as the android transforms from a harmless lovebot into a lethal soulmate.