M3GAN 2.0 Flop Puts Franchise Future at Risk

M3GAN 2.0, sequel to the 2023 horror hit, opened with $10.2 million domestically and $17 million worldwide, far below the original's $30.4 million debut and $181.7 million total gross. Producer Jason Blum and director Gerard Johnstone attribute the poor performance to a shift from horror to action, attempts to rebrand M3GAN as a 'superhero,' a crowded summer release schedule, and a rushed production timeline. While the original film was a cultural phenomenon, the sequel's new direction failed to resonate with critics and many fans, though audience reviews remain relatively positive, citing humor and entertainment value. The split reception highlights the risks of abandoning the franchise's horror roots and raises doubts about the viability of future sequels or spinoffs. Blumhouse has acknowledged the setback, discussing the company's current slump and the unpredictability of the movie marketplace. The film's underperformance jeopardizes the future of the M3GAN franchise.