Jason Blum & James Wan are joining forces for a killer doll techno thriller

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Two of Hollywood's golden boys, Jason Blum and James Wan, are teaming up for a new techno horror thriller called M3GAN. Gerard Johnstone, who helmed the Australian comedy horror flick HOUSEBOUND is set to direct from a script penned by Akela Cooper (TV's LUKE CAGE, TV's WITCHES OF EAST END). According to THR, M3GAN tells of a brilliant toy company roboticist who uses artificial intelligence to develop M3GAN, a life-like doll programmed to emotionally bond with her newly orphaned niece. But when the doll’s programming works too well, she becomes overprotective of her new friend…with terrifying results. Oh snap, this sounds like some straight up Real Doll meets Child's Play type shit. Someone better bust out an EMP grenade and send that sentient A.I. back to the factory floor from whence it came.

Wan and Blum, who will produce the new and terrifying tale, have previously worked together while making INSIDIOUS, the 2010 shocker that told the story of a family looking to prevent evil spirits from trapping their comatose child in a realm called The Further. On a quick personal note, I barely slept for four nights after watching that one. For reasons I won't get into here, that movie really hit home for me, as I used to live in a haunted house for far too long. We eventually moved in-part because things got too spiritually hectic. That being said, the idea of these two working together again is already giving me goosebumps.

“I had such a great time working together with Jason on Insidious, a film that did a lot of good for both of us,” Wan told THR. “I don’t forget where I started from and I’m grateful and appreciative of Jason. We’ve been looking for something to collaborate on again since.”

The concept for M3GAN began at Wan’s Atomic Monster where he and his execs were toying with ideas for future projects. Obviously, Wan had already launched his ANNABELLE spinoff franchise, so the idea of introducing yet another killer doll felt like something of a risk, at first. However, the story surrounding M3GAN became so enticing to the group that they decided to begin developing the idea.

“Pretty much the concept is about embracing technology too much and relying too much on it,” Wan says. “And what happens with technology runs amok. It’s a commentary on the world we live in and it feels relevant.”

Blum was also quick to mention that M3GAN will contain comedic elements as well, which is part of the reason they chose Johnstone to direct. “We needed someone who can do the thrills and set pieces but who also has a cheeky approach,” Blum said.

If you have plans to attend this year's San Diego Comic-Con, Jason Blum and James Wan will both be in attendance promoting their upcoming films. Blum will be there to pump up M. Night Shyamalan's GLASS as well as David Gordon Green's HALLOWEEN reboot. As for Wan, he'll be at the show to present eager fans with an in-depth look at DC Entertainment's AQUAMAN.

M3GAN is expected to begin shooting this fall.