Japanese Theatrical Release of 'M3GAN 2.0' Abruptly Canceled, Sparking Online Frenzy

The Japanese theatrical release of "M3GAN 2.0," the sequel to the American horror film "M3GAN," which was scheduled for Friday, October 10, has been abruptly canceled, causing a significant stir on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The announcement from the official account has drawn widespread disappointment and surprise from many movie fans.

While no clear explanation has been provided for the cancellation, speculation among X users ranges from "poor box office performance in its home country" to it being a "big flop." The previous film, "M3GAN," was well-received even by those who typically dislike horror films, with comments like "not scary at all" and "it was fun," leading to high expectations for the sequel. However, some have pointed out that the sequel's direction is "completely different from the previous film," suggesting that a change in direction might be a contributing factor to the cancellation.

In response to the news of the cancellation, expressions of disappointment such as "This is sad," "It's too shocking," and "I was looking forward to it" are prevalent. On the other hand, some users, perhaps spurred by the controversy, have expressed increased interest, saying things like "If it's canceled, it makes me want to see it even more" or "My desire to watch it has grown." Furthermore, while a theatrical release has been abandoned, many voices are hoping for an online release, asking, "Will it only be available via streaming?" or "Will it be available on subscription services?"

Furthermore, attention is also turning to the expansion of the "M3GAN" universe, with reports that a spin-off film, "SOULM8TE," is currently in production, leading some to comment, "Perhaps we should look forward to that instead." While this cancellation is disappointing news for Japanese movie fans, there is anticipation for new developments through digital distribution and future spin-off works.

The Context

The original "M3GAN" became a surprise hit, globally recognized for its unique blend of horror, dark comedy, and memorable viral dance sequences, which appealed to a broad audience, including those not typically inclined towards horror films. In Japan, its critical reception was also largely positive, leading to high anticipation for its sequel. The term "大ゴケ" (ōgoke) used in the article is a Japanese colloquialism meaning a "big flop" or "box office bomb," suggesting that poor performance in the U.S. market may have influenced the decision for its Japanese theatrical release. For many films, particularly in the horror genre, if a theatrical release is deemed unprofitable in a key market like Japan, distributors often opt for direct digital release via streaming services or subscription platforms, which is what many fans are now hoping for.