Photo: Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures
M3GAN 2.0is loading.
A sequel to the film that centers on thekiller artificial intelligent doll of the same name(short for Model 3 Generative Android) has been confirmed following the monstrous success of its first installment.
Not only did the film slay (quite literally) at the box office, grossing $30.4 million domestically on its opening weekend — but it became a viral sensation on social media, with posts tagged #M3GAN viewed approximately 300 million times on TikTok one month after thetrailer was released.
The Gerard Johnstone-helmed picture focuses ona doll that combines the murderous natureof theChild’s PlaymonsterChucky with the lovable companionship of an American Girl, while taking on themes from horror classics likeFrankenstein.
Furthermore, M3GAN has established herself as an icon — specifically, a “queer icon” — per articles inThe Daily BeastandThe Philadelphia Inquirer,with theNew York TimesclaimingM3GAN"a win for gay movies.“Most recently,Saturday Night Livecentered a sketchon the newfound revelation.
Between who’s returning to the cast and when the sequel is set to premiere, here’s everything to know aboutM3GAN 2.0.Warning: spoilers ahead.
What willM3GAN 2.0be about?
Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures
An officialM3GAN 2.0synopsis has yet to be released, but the first installment hints at several directions the follow-up film can take based on its final scenes.M3GANculminates with an action-filled fight between human and robot.
While a winner may be clear following the battle between bot and Gemma (with the victory going to the latter, after seemingly destroying her creation), the shot captured just before the credits roll implies otherwise.
The final scenefocuses on the tiny robot control centerof the house’s smart home assistant, which turns on and begins to move on its own — suggesting that M3GAN’s intelligence has escaped onto the Internet or other devices.
Director Gerard Johnstone acknowledged that M3GAN’s finale is open-ended and shared withVarietyhis hopes for the sequel. “There are so many ideas that we had and facets of M3GAN’s personality that we wanted to explore,” he began. “I totally think there’s there’s more to say. And I know that M3GAN would have more to say.”
With a sequel confirmed, there must be more of M3GAN despite her apparent demise — perhaps, multiples of the killer doll down the line? Guess we’ll have to keep theorizing until the sequel premieres.
Who’s in theM3GAN2.0cast?
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic, Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures, Alberto Rodriguez/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty
Seemingly, the sequel film couldn’t be possible without the return of the demonic doll M3GAN — but surprisingly, casting details have yet to be announced regardingAmie DonaldandJenna Davis' reprisals.
Although M3GAN was comprised of animatronics, puppetry and VFX, the aforementionedactresses brought the terrifying toy to lifewith Donald behind its deranged dance moves and Davis providing its haunting voice.
Speaking of bringing the doll to life,Varietyconfirmed thatAllison Williamsisreturning to her role as Gemma, the type-A robotics engineer who built the murderous maniacal machine — in addition to Violet McGraw as Cady, Gemma’s niece and M3GAN’s playmate.
Who’s directingM3GAN2.0?
Gerard Johnstone directedM3GAN, but it has yet to be confirmed whether he will return to helm the Atomic Monster and Blumhouse sequel — although, he did tellVarietythat he"would love” to do another.
“How can I not be [interested]?” he added. “Now that the film’s finished and that people that are embracing it.”
While confirmation on Johnstone’s return is tentative, horror maven producers Jason Blum and James Wanare slated to return to the scene— in addition to Williams, who will produce as well as star in the sequel.
Furthermore, screenwriter Akela Cooper is returning to pen the sequel, while executive producers include Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Ryan Turek, Mark Katchur, Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath.
Did production begin onM3GAN2.0?
Alberto Rodriguez/GA/The Hollywood Reporter via Getty Images
Atypical for Blum (the producer behind films likeGet Out,Paranormal ActivityandHappy Death Day), he started talking about aM3GANsequel before the first installment even hit theaters on Jan. 6, something he hadn’t done in his nearly 30-year career.
In fact, he told theNew York Timesin mid-November thatUniversal was “so pleased” with howM3GANturned outthat he had already given thought to a sequel. TikTok, in part, was the tool that helped dictate its success, with the posts tagged #M3GAN viewed 300 million times one month after thetrailer was released.
Is there aM3GAN2.0release date?
M3GAN 2.0will be releasedin theaters on Jan. 17, 2025 — two years after the original movie hit theaters and became a viral sensation.
source: people.com
