M3GAN Re-Released with Live Chat Feature

As Blumhouse prepares to mark its 15th anniversary, the acclaimed horror studio is stirring up both excitement and debate with a special theatrical re-release of its 2022 smash hit M3GAN. The limited engagement comes with a twist that's dividing moviegoers - an interactive experience that actively encourages smartphone use during screenings.

Shudder's Halfway to Halloween Brings Meta Technology to Theaters

The event is part of Shudder's Halfway to Halloween celebration, featuring one-night-only screenings of M3GAN alongside horror favorites Ma and Annabelle. What makes these showings different is the integration of Meta's "Movie Mate" technology, allowing audiences to chat with M3GAN via Instagram DMs while watching the film, plus access synchronized second-screen content.

"This cutting-edge experience activates when theatergoers message the @M3GAN Instagram account during the screening," explained Blumhouse representatives in a statement to Variety. "We're enhancing the traditional viewing experience with immersive digital elements to build anticipation for M3GAN 2.0's June 27 release."

Interactive Horrors or Distraction Disaster?

The screenings promise exclusive content including behind-the-scenes footage, messages from filmmakers, and surprise appearances in certain locations. While innovative, this approach has sparked concerns among cinephiles about further erosion of the traditional theater experience. The jury's still out on how audiences will respond to this bold experiment in interactive horror viewing.

Catch M3GAN's special engagement on April 30, followed by Annabelle on May 7 and Ma on May 14. The highly anticipated sequel M3GAN 2.0 arrives in U.S. theaters everywhere on June 27.