"M3GAN Re-Release: Enhanced with 'Second Screen' and Live Chatbot"

Top horror studio Blumhouse is gearing up to celebrate its 15th anniversary in a unique way by bringing the 2022 hit film, M3GAN, back to theaters. This move comes just ahead of the sequel's release and introduces a controversial twist: a limited theatrical engagement that encourages the use of smartphones in theaters.

As part of its Halfway to Halloween initiative, Shudder, in collaboration with Blumhouse, will screen M3GAN, along with Ma and Annabelle, for one-night-only engagements. These screenings will incorporate Meta’s innovative “Movie Mate” technology, allowing audience members to interact with M3GAN through a chatbot and access exclusive content in real-time via a second screen.

“Movie Mate is exclusively available to moviegoers in the theater and can be activated by DM’ing the Instagram account @M3GAN,” Blumhouse explained, as reported by Variety. This technology aims to enhance the 'second screen' viewing experience and build excitement for the upcoming release of M3GAN 2.0, set for June 27.

Fans attending these special screenings can look forward to sneak peeks, exclusive recorded messages from the films' directors and talent, and surprise special appearances in select markets. While this approach aims to invigorate the theatrical experience, it raises concerns about its impact on traditional movie-going. Only time will reveal how fans respond to this novel experience, but it's hoped that such innovations won't become standard in regular screenings.

The M3GAN screening is scheduled for April 30 in various theaters nationwide, followed by Annabelle on May 7, and Ma on May 14. M3GAN 2.0 will hit U.S. theaters on June 27.