The global debut of M3GAN 2.0 stumbles compared to the original sci-fi horror movie. The sequel, released on June 27, focuses on relaunching and upgrading M3GAN to combat a dangerous military android, known as AMELIA. The cast includes Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jemaine Clement, Ivanna Sakhno, Aristotle Athari, and Amie Donald and Jenna Davis, who portray M3GAN. While the original film became a surprise hit in 2023, early box office numbers signal that M3GAN 2.0 may have trouble reaching similar success.
According to Variety, M3GAN 2.0 was set to earn $10.2 million domestically in its opening weekend, failing to match the $30.4 million of M3GAN. Globally, the sequel is bringing in a total of $17 million, which is significantly lower than the $45 million M3GAN generated two years ago.
What This Means For M3GAN 2.0
Expanding The Franchise Is Now Questionable
Given how much buzz has surrounded the franchise, especially on social media, contrasting debuts may raise concerns over M3GAN and her future. The first installment generated over $180 million, becoming a huge commercial success upon release. Because the sequel opened considerably smaller, M3GAN 2.0 could have a hard time achieving equivalent box office numbers. If it underperforms compared to the original, expanding the M3GAN universe beyond the upcoming SOULM8TE spin-off would seem doubtful.
As more movies are released, critical reception and Rotten Tomatoes may dissuade audiences from seeing M3GAN 2.0. Unlike the original M3GAN, which earned an impressive 93% Tomatometer score, the sequel presently holds a 58%. However, fans seem to be enjoying M3GAN 2.0 more than its predecessor, as evidenced by the 83% audience-based score on RT, compared to the original’s 78%.
Perhaps word of mouth can boost the horror movie at the domestic and/or global box office, before it eventually heads to VOD and streaming. M3GAN 2.0‘s reported budget is also a positive in this regard: at an estimated $15-25 million [via THR and Variety], the bar for success isn’t too high, especially if it’s on the lower end of those estimates.
Our Take On The M3GAN 2.0 Box Office
More Compeтιтion Is Coming
Looking ahead, M3GAN 2.0 will have some major compeтιтion, which makes the $17 million opening all the more alarming. Jurᴀssic World Rebirth and Superman release in back-to-back weeks, beginning on July 2, and each movie brings a sizable fandom. I Know What You Did Last Summer may also directly compete with M3GAN 2.0 as another horror film, featuring appearances by franchise stars Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr.
Considering what summer blockbusters are on the way, M3GAN 2.0 may not have legs at the box office. While making money is still possible, an underwhelming theatrical run could bode negatively for the future of M3GAN, which would be disappointing after the surprise success of the first movie.
Source: Variety
