MEG 3: Primal Waters picks up several years after the events of the previous film, with Jonas Taylor (Jason Statham) now leading a global marine protection initiative. The movie opens with a dramatic rescue operation in the Mariana Trench, where Jonas and his team discover evidence of a new, even larger Megalodon species—one that has adapted to deeper, colder waters and is far more aggressive.
The plot escalates when a deep-sea mining corporation, seeking rare minerals, accidentally opens a fissure, allowing multiple prehistoric creatures—including the new Megs—to escape into the open ocean. The creatures wreak havoc on shipping lanes and coastal cities, leading to a worldwide crisis. Jonas, haunted by his past encounters, is reluctantly pulled back into action.
The film’s central set piece is a massive confrontation off the coast of Indonesia, where Jonas and his team use experimental submersibles and high-tech weaponry to lure the Megs away from populated areas. In a tense underwater battle, Jonas faces off against the largest Meg yet, dubbed “Primal,” in a sequence that pushes the limits of CGI and practical effects.
The climax sees Jonas sacrificing his submersible to destroy the fissure, trapping the remaining creatures back in the trench. He barely escapes, and the world is saved—at least for now. The film ends with a hint that other prehistoric threats may still lurk in the deep.
Budget and Box Office:
MEG 3: Primal Waters reportedly had a production budget of around $180 million, making it the most expensive entry in the franchise. The film’s global marketing campaign added another $70 million to the total spend. As of mid-April 2025, the movie has grossed approximately $420 million worldwide, with strong performances in China, the US, and Europe. This gives the film a net profit (after production and marketing costs) of roughly $170 million, not including future streaming and merchandise revenue.
