SOULM8TE is a M3GAN-universe erotic thriller about a grieving engineer who tries to shape an AI android into his soulmate—only for her to develop needs of her own. Universal announced a digital retail premiere for August 1, 2026, replacing the film’s earlier theatrical plans. That announced date has passed; the studio’s release announcement does not identify individual retailers or a later subscription-streaming service.
What is SOULM8TE about?
Universal describes SOULM8TE as an erotic thriller set in the M3GAN-verse. The story follows a grieving engineer assigned to test an android made by a technology company. He tries to program her to become a genuinely sentient soulmate. As she develops needs and desires of her own, the experiment turns dangerous.
![M3GAN - Unrated Edition 4K Ultra HD + Blu-ray + Digital [4K UHD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qD58lc3zL._SL160_.jpg)
The original 2024 announcement framed the engineer as a widower coping with his wife’s death and described the android as a harmless “lovebot” that becomes deadly. The film is a franchise spinoff, but the official material does not establish that M3GAN herself appears in it.
When and where can you watch SOULM8TE?
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment announced on July 8, 2026, that SOULM8TE would premiere on digital retail platforms on August 1, 2026. The announcement describes this as a digital purchase or rental window before subscription streaming; it does not name a specific retailer, territory-by-territory availability, or a subscription service and date. The announced digital date has passed, so check local digital storefronts for current availability.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
Universal Pictures Home Entertainment’s release announcement contains the studio’s release details.
Is SOULM8TE still coming to theaters?
No theatrical release is currently established in the cited announcements. SOULM8TE was initially scheduled for U.S. theaters on January 2, 2026. NBCUniversal repeated that date in its April 2025 CinemaCon recap, but TheWrap reported on December 16, 2025, that Universal had removed the film from its calendar. In July 2026, Universal announced the August 1 digital retail premiere, and TheWrap reported that the film would skip theaters and go directly to VOD.
Rank #2
| Date | Release status |
|---|---|
| June 20, 2024 | TheWrap reported an initial theatrical date of January 2, 2026. |
| April 7, 2025 | NBCUniversal’s CinemaCon recap still listed January 2, 2026, as the planned date. |
| December 16, 2025 | TheWrap reported the film had been removed from Universal’s calendar. |
| July 8, 2026 | Universal announced a digital retail premiere for August 1, 2026; TheWrap reported a direct-to-VOD release rather than a theatrical run. |
Who made SOULM8TE, and who stars in it?
Kate Dolan directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay with Rafael Jordan. Jordan, James Wan, and Ingrid Bisu are credited with the story. The announced cast is Lily Sullivan, David Rysdahl, Claudia Doumit, and Arty Froushan. James Wan and Jason Blum are producers; Anthony Willis composed the music.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How does the director describe the film?
Dolan has described SOULM8TE as a satire about desire, obsession, autonomy, and control, as well as the tension between technology marketed as connection and the isolation it may deepen. That is the director’s promotional framing of the film, not an independent critical assessment. Universal’s release announcement includes her remarks and the full announced credits.
Recommended Free Tools
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Runtime: 121 minutes
Rank #3
Sources
- Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, “Soulm8te Press Release,” July 8, 2026
- NBCUniversal, CinemaCon 2025 announcement, April 7, 2025
- TheWrap, calendar removal report, December 16, 2025
- TheWrap, VOD release report, July 8, 2026
- TheWrap, initial theatrical-date report, June 20, 2024
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
