Why Did ‘M3GAN 2.0’ Flop? Here Are Four Shocking Reasons!

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You couldn’t blame Blumhouse for serving up a second “M3GAN” movie.

In simpler terms, the movie that premiered towards the end of 2022 and was only shown in select theaters in 2023 had a relatively small budget compared to current production costs – approximately $12 million.

The horror-comedy amassed an impressive total of $180 million worldwide, making it a profitable investment. Given its success and the smart business acumen of Blumhouse Productions, a follow-up seems inevitable.

It’s just math.

In the making of “M3GAN 2.0”, the original creative crew will be back on board. This includes writer-director Gerard Johnstone, who is known for his work in “Housebound”, and our leading actresses Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, and Jenna Davis, who lend their voices to the title character.

After its initial release, “M3GAN 2.0” failed to impress at the box office, bringing in approximately $10.4 million. To give you an idea of how it fared, the first movie managed to earn a staggering $30 million in its domestic opening weekend.

That’s a hearty number for most horror films, but even better for an original title.

Here are four reasons for the film’s shabby debut.

A.I. Is Too Scary Today

In human terms, two years might seem relatively short, but in AI’s perspective, it’s nearly a lifetime. The advancements in technology since the release of “M3GAN” have been remarkable, and we’re only starting to understand the far-reaching implications. Various sectors, such as Hollywood, publishing, and many others, are likely to experience significant transformations due to AI.

Jobs could become obsolete, causing significant changes in people’s lives, though we may not reach the level of robots taking over as depicted in the “Terminator” series.

In 2023, what appeared charming and groundbreaking has become disquieting today. Horror can be an effective means of dealing with fears, but it’s usually more impactful when presented subtly. For instance, the 1968 film “Night of the Living Dead” resonated deeply with its time by addressing racism in a chilling finale.

M3GAN” challenges viewers to explore the intricacies and broader societal impacts of artificial intelligence, period. Instead of providing a temporary escape, it offers thought-provoking content.

Pride Marketing Hurt More Than It Helped

Have you heard that “M3GAN” has been associated with the LGBTQ+ community, much like how the “It” series was in the past? Indeed, its upcoming sequel seems to be emphasizing this cultural aspect.

Hard.

It seems that targeted marketing for this specific genre didn’t quite hit the mark. Perhaps mainstream viewers are growing weary of socially conscious themes, or they perceived “M3GAN” as a blend of horror and comedy initially, fearing the sequel could veer into a lengthy discourse rather than maintaining its entertaining tone.

That isn’t the case, but appearances matter in marketing.

Horror, What Horror?

In the follow-up, M3GAN’s character deviates significantly from the original, similar to how the Terminator’s role shifted from antagonist to protector for Sarah Connor in the sequel of its series.

That isn’t the only change seen in the new movie.

It’s unmistakable that the original had strong credentials in the horror genre. However, “M3GAN 2.0” is primarily a science fiction action film without many conventional horror aspects such as jump scares or traditional horror elements.

Some Gimmicks Have an Expiration Date

The “Ghostbusters” follow-up movies haven’t quite hit the mark, with varying levels of achievement; none have managed to capture the original’s enchanting spirit as effectively.

Why?

It’s impossible to replicate the charm of Bill Murray at his best or the unique blend of science fiction and comedy that Ivan Reitman created in the 1984 original. Despite four attempts by Hollywood, no remake has surpassed the original.

The less said about “Lady Ghostbusters,” the better.

Just like the original movie, “M3GAN” also struggles with its concept not being long-lasting. Despite the impressive FX puppetry that lets M3GAN dance gracefully, the idea of a killer robot doesn’t seem to have much staying power.

Interestingly, the “Child’s Play” series, which initially featured a menacing toy doll, managed to captivate audiences for many years despite its dark humor and gruesome premise. Notably, it spawned numerous sequels and even a television show.

The astonishing earnings of “M3GAN” suggest that the series, slated for growth with “SOULM8TE” in January, may not have a long lifespan.

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2025-06-29 18:03