Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Blumhouse Atomic Monster have announced that the artificial intelligence sci-fi thriller Soulm8te will bypass a traditional theatrical rollout. The feature film is now scheduled to debut exclusively on digital home entertainment platforms starting August 1, 2026.
The distribution pivot follows the removal of the title from Universal’s theatrical release calendar late last year. The studio’s adjustment occurs in the wake of the commercial underperformance of M3GAN 2.0 during its summer theatrical run. The direct sequel generated $39.1 million at the global box office against a $25 million production budget, representing a sharp statistical decline from the $180 million worldwide gross achieved by the original M3GAN installment in 2023.
Directed and co-written by Kate Dolan, Soulm8te expands the established franchise universe into the realm of the erotic sci-fi thriller. The narrative centers on a grieving engineer, portrayed by David Rysdahl, who acquires an advanced, AI-powered android companion played by Lily Sullivan. When the engineer attempts to reprogram the unit to achieve authentic sentience, the android develops obsessive behaviors, sparking a sequence of calculated violence. The ensemble cast also features Claudia Doumit and Arty Froushan.
The project’s screenplay was written by Dolan from an original story concept credited to James Wan, Ingrid Bisu, and Rafael Jordan. In an official statement, Blumhouse Atomic Monster Chief Executive Officer Jason Blum praised Dolan’s ability to blend technological paranoia with classic thriller tropes. Dolan added that the film leans into a satirical, camp-infused tone, drawing thematic and structural inspiration from notable adult-oriented thrillers such as Basic Instinct and Showgirls.
Soulm8te is produced by James Wan and Jason Blum, with Michael Clear and Judson Scott attached as executive producers. The film’s upcoming digital premiere marks a strategic transition toward home viewing audiences for the expanding horror property.
Watch the official full trailer below:
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