Home / Arts and Entertainment / Universal Scraps AI Thriller 'Soulm8te' Amidst Release Shake-Up
Universal Scraps AI Thriller 'Soulm8te' Amidst Release Shake-Up
16 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Universal pulls AI thriller 'Soulm8te' from its January 9th release.
- The film explores an AI companion turning deadly after an upgrade.
- Paramount's 'Primate' will now occupy the original release date.
Universal is reportedly withdrawing the upcoming sci-fi thriller 'Soulm8te' from its scheduled January 9th release next year. The film, directed by Kate Dolan and produced by James Wan's Atomic Monster and Jason Blum's Blumhouse, explores the dark side of artificial intelligence in relationships.
'Soulm8te' follows a man who obtains an AI android to help him cope with grief, but the creation of a sentient partner inadvertently turns a harmless lovebot into a dangerous entity. The film was initially touted as being connected to the 'M3GAN' universe, though 'M3GAN 2.0's' performance this summer was less successful than its predecessor.
The studio's decision to pull 'Soulm8te' also allows Paramount's 'Primate' to move into the vacated release slot, preventing a direct clash between two major studio horror films on the same weekend. 'Soulm8te' stars Claudia Doumit and Lily Sullivan and was inspired by 1990s erotic thrillers.
