The M3GAN cinematic universe appears to be coming to a close after “M3GAN 2.0” underperformed at the box office, earning only $10 million domestically and $17 million globally in its first weekend. The sequel’s dismal performance is attributed to various factors, including a lackluster marketing campaign that failed to appeal to horror fans and an unfavorable release date that clashed with other blockbuster films.
The original “M3GAN” film, released in 2023, became a sleeper hit, grossing $180 million against a $12 million budget. However, the sequel’s $25 million budget was not enough to recoup costs, let alone meet expectations. Critics and audiences alike have panned the film, citing its inability to deliver scares and a marketing campaign that focused too much on campy humor.
The timing of the release also played a significant role in the film’s poor performance. The summer movie season is typically crowded with big-budget films, making it difficult for “M3GAN 2.0” to stand out. If released in January instead, as was done with other horror films like “Wolf Man,” the sequel may have performed better.
Industry expert David A. Gross attributes the film’s failure to its inability to show something new and fresh, stating that fans are moving on from the franchise. Other factors contributing to the film’s poor performance include a gimmick that didn’t extend beyond the first film’s 100-minute runtime and a lack of focus on horror elements.
Blumhouse, the production company behind the “M3GAN” films, is experiencing a rare slump in box office success, with several recent misfires. However, the studio’s business model ensures that any potential losses will be minimal. The upcoming release of “Five Nights at Freddy’s 2” may provide a much-needed commercial win for Blumhouse.
Source: https://variety.com/2025/film/box-office/megan-2-flops-sequel-failed-box-office-1236444390