Blumhouse may have found the formula to resurrect its M3GAN franchise in 2026, following the commercial disappointment of the sequel. The horror production company, known for low-budget bets, is considering an epic crossover between the AI-powered killer doll and the iconic Chucky from the Child’s Play universe. This strategy emerges as a direct response to the below-expectations performance of M3GAN 2.0, which grossed only $39 million in 2025 against a $25 million budget, a brutal contrast to the first film’s $180 million. The idea is to unite two of the biggest icons of modern horror in a single production, a risky move that, however, has a history of financial success in the genre.
The possibility gains strength due to the shared rights of the characters and the current moment of both franchises. While the SY-FY Chucky series was canceled last year, M3GAN needs to win back the audience. A collaboration between Blumhouse and Universal Pictures, which holds the film rights to the classic Chucky, seems the most viable path. This way, Brazilian fans could witness a duel between runaway technology and malevolent supernatural forces, a combination that promises both scares and dark comedy.
The Rights Challenge and the Legend’s Biological Clock
However, the great crossover faces significant obstacles beyond the financial ones. The rights to the Chucky character are divided, with Universal controlling the original franchise and series, while Amazon owns the rights to the 2019 remake. Furthermore, there is a crucial human factor: Brad Dourif, the original voice and soul of Chucky, is 75 years old. Executing a project of this magnitude without him would be, for many fans, like making Freddy vs. Jason without Robert Englund. Meanwhile, Don Mancini, creator of Chucky, is working on an undisclosed new project, which could open a window of opportunity for the collaboration.
The appeal of a battle between the two killer dolls is undeniable. On one hand, M3GAN represents high-tech horror and paranoia about artificial intelligence, extremely current themes. On the other, Chucky brings classic supernatural terror and characteristic dark humor. Uniting these universes would not only attract fans of both franchises but also generate enormous media buzz. The remaining question is: are the studios willing to overcome the legal and logistical complexities to deliver this event to the public? If they do, they may not only save M3GAN but also breathe new life into a horror legend many thought was in limbo.
