M3GAN Returns with Second Screen & Live Chatbot Features

As Blumhouse Productions approaches its 15th anniversary, the horror powerhouse is stirring up controversy by bringing 2022's killer doll thriller M3GAN back to theaters with a unique - and divisive - twist. The limited re-release ahead of M3GAN 2.0's debut features an unprecedented invitation for audiences to use their smartphones during screenings through Meta's interactive "Movie Mate" technology.

A New Kind of Horror Experience

Part of Shudder's Halfway to Halloween celebration, these special screenings (including Ma and Annabelle) will transform the traditional moviegoing experience. Through Instagram DMs to @M3GAN, viewers can chat with the murderous AI doll herself while getting exclusive behind-the-scenes content on their devices in real time - a move that's sparking heated debates among cinephiles.

"This isn't just about watching a movie - it's about living it," explains a Blumhouse representative. The experimental format promises director commentaries, surprise celebrity appearances, and exclusive teases for the upcoming sequel - all while the film plays on the big screen.

The Future of Moviegoing or Its Downfall?

While some fans are excited about the immersive possibilities, others worry this could open Pandora's box for theatrical screenings. The initiative clearly targets younger, tech-savvy audiences in preparation for M3GAN 2.0's June 27 release, but at what cost to traditional cinema etiquette?

The special M3GAN screening kicks off April 30 nationwide, followed by Annabelle on May 7 and Ma on May 14. Whether this experiment enhances the horror experience or becomes a cautionary tale about technology's role in entertainment remains to be seen - but one thing's certain: Blumhouse isn't afraid to push boundaries for its anniversary celebration.