M3GAN Re-Release: 'Second Screen' and Live Chatbot Added

Top horror studio Blumhouse is celebrating its 15th anniversary by bringing back the 2022 hit film M3GAN to theaters. This move comes just ahead of the sequel's release and includes a unique twist: the use of smartphones in theaters. This decision has sparked controversy, as it introduces new interactive features to the traditional movie-going experience.

As part of their Halfway to Halloween initiative, Shudder is organizing one-night-only screenings of M3GAN, along with Ma and Annabelle, featuring Meta's innovative "Movie Mate" technology. This technology allows audience members to engage with M3GAN through a chatbot and access exclusive content in real-time via a second screen.

The studio also highlighted that fans can look forward to sneak peeks, exclusive messages from the films' directors and talent, and surprise appearances in certain markets. While this approach aims to enrich the movie experience, it raises concerns about further diluting the traditional theatrical experience. Only time will reveal how fans respond to this novel approach, but many hope it remains confined to special events rather than becoming a norm in regular screenings.

The M3GAN screenings are scheduled for April 30 across various theaters nationwide, followed by Annabelle on May 7 and Ma on May 14. M3GAN 2.0 is set to premiere in the United States on June 27.