“MEG 3: Primal Waters,” the anticipated third installment in the Meg franchise, is set to continue the thrilling saga of prehistoric sea monsters. Directed by Ben Wheatley, the film is based on Steve Alten’s novel Meg: Primal Waters and stars Jason Statham reprising his role as Jonas Taylor. While Warner Bros. has not officially confirmed the release date, speculation suggests a potential debut in late 2025 or early 2026, depending on production timelines. The budget for MEG 3 is expected to align with its predecessors, with The Meg (2018) and Meg 2: The Trench (2023) both produced on approximately $130 million. Despite Meg 2 earning $397 million globally—less than the $529 million of the original—it still proved profitable, solidifying the franchise’s viability.
The success of the Meg series lies in its ability to blend high-stakes action with international appeal, particularly in markets like China, where the films have performed exceptionally well. Jason Statham’s global star power and the franchise’s focus on larger-than-life aquatic threats have made it a consistent box office draw. MEG 3 is expected to expand on this formula, introducing new prehistoric creatures and upping the stakes with a storyline that includes Jonas Taylor’s involvement in a reality TV survival show, as teased in the source material. The film’s success will likely hinge on its ability to deliver the same spectacle and thrills that fans have come to expect, while also exploring fresh narrative depths.
If MEG 3 follows the production timeline of its predecessors, filming could begin in 2025, with a release targeted for late 2025 or summer 2026. The franchise’s enduring popularity and the potential for even more monstrous sea creatures ensure that MEG 3 will be a highly anticipated blockbuster. With its mix of action, suspense, and cutting-edge visual effects, the film aims to continue the legacy of its predecessors while carving out new territory in the realm of aquatic horror.
