M3GAN 2.0 Release Date, Cast, Director, Writer, And More Details
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Isn't it nice to have a friend?
"M3GAN" took horror fans by storm in 2023, becoming a viral sensation that went from a meme to a box office smash. Those dancing-and-music-themed trailers drove lots of people to movie theaters during the winter. The attitude-filled, walking, talking, murdering M3GAN turned the film into a surprise hit, ultimately grossing over $179 million at the worldwide box office. Is it too soon to say she's as equally iconic as the psychopathic Chucky? Perhaps — but it's close.
Causing audiences to fall in love with a story about complicated familial attachments, the ravages of grief, and evil AI-powered dolls who love big sharp things is quite the feat, but Universal accomplished it. So, it's not surprising a "M3GAN" sequel is officially in the works. Audiences will have to wait quite a while for "M3GAN 2.0," but with any luck, they'll be willing and ready to shake it up with their favorite doll in a few years.
When will M3GAN 2.0 be released?
Bad news, "M3GAN" fans — it's going to be a minute before you see your favorite robot slaughter some fools and bust some moves. The sequel is currently slated for January 17, 2025. Interestingly, when it finally does hit theaters, the android will find itself up against some very cute competition in the form of "Paddington in Peru."
Obviously, these films are aiming at very different audiences, but will their shared release date drum up even bigger box offices for both? Have we got another Barbenheimer on our hands? M3GANTON, perhaps? Does murder go well with marmalade sandwiches? We'll find out on January 17, 2025.
What is the plot of M3GAN 2.0?
While we don't have an official synopsis for the sequel just yet, the ending of "M3GAN" gives filmmakers plenty of elbow room to move the storyline along.
When we leave them at the first movie's conclusion, Cady (Violet McGraw) and Gemma (Allison Williams) have just defeated M3GAN after she goes rogue and tries to kill Gemma in the hopes of becoming Caddy's sole guardian. Niece and aunt team up to take down the evil doll, who ultimately meets her demise. Having finally formed a true bond with one another, Cady and Gemma wander happily together into the early dawn light ... with neither noticing that M3GAN is still alive in the house's circuits and wires, watching over them.
Speaking with Empire Magazine (via Collider), producer James Wan gave a little insight into what might be in store with the sequel. "It's early yet," Wan said, "but M3GAN is coming back in a big way. The first film came just at the right time [when concerns about AI were mounting], and we're definitely leaning into that on the next one. We're exploring the AI universe even further."
Who is starring in M3GAN 2.0?
Allison Williams and Violet McGraw signed to reprise their roles as Gemma and Cady in "M3GAN 2.0." There's no word as to whether or not Amie Donald, who portrayed M3GAN in certain shots, will also return. The then-12-year-old, hired for her balletic abilities, played M3GAN during her famous dance sequences and many long shots of the doll walking. Since she's likely gotten taller since the film was shot, another actress may replace her for the sequel. However, we do expect the voice of M3GAN — Jenna Davis — to return, although there's no official word on that just yet.
Obviously, the film will need more adults for Gemma to bounce off of since several of her colleagues and friends were murdered during M3GAN's rampage. But since there are no further casting announcements at the moment, watch this space.
Who is directing M3GAN 2.0?
Gerard Johnstone, who directed the first "M3GAN" movie, is set to return to the franchise for "M3GAN 2.0." "M3GAN" marks the biggest project Johnstone has been connected to thus far; he previously worked on the independent film "Housebound" (which he also wrote) and six episodes of the Netflix television series "The New Legends of Monkey." Other credits include 14 episodes of "The Jaquie Brown Diaries" (every segment of which he penned) and directing duties on "Terry Teo," of which he wrote four episodes.
Johnstone has previously weighed in on his ideas for a sequel. He told The Playlist in 2023, "There were so many ideas that I had that we couldn't squeeze into the first movie, and so many more directions we wanted to go. We wanted to make a tight, entertaining 90-minute movie, and there were so many facets of M3GAN's character we just didn't have time to explore. So the chance to do another one is very exciting. I'm in talks to do it, and I really do hope it happens. And I think, especially now that I know that there's a real appetite for it, that certainly helps." Hopefully, some of those notions will be utilized for "M3GAN 2.0."
Who is writing and producing M3GAN 2.0?
Also returning to the "M3GAN" world is Akela Cooper, who wrote the first film's script. Cooper co-crafted the original idea for "M3GAN" with James Wan; there's no word at press time as to whether or not Wan will be involved in writing the sequel, though Johnstone said he was aware of the notion that Wan had ideas for a sequel as far back as winter of 2023. Previously, Cooper made waves in the horror world for writing the absolutely bonkers "Malignant," which was directed by Wan.
On the producing side of the slate, Allison Williams will return as one of the movie's executive producers. Joining her are Jason Blum, James Wan, Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Ryan Turek, Mark Katchur, Adam Hendricks, and Greg Gilreath. Blum, Williams, and Turek will be producing under the Blumhouse banner; Wan and Clear will do their work from Wan's Atomic Monster producing outlet. Turek also represents Blumhouse, while Adam Hendricks and Greg Gilreath represent Divide/Conquer.
Where can you watch M3GAN?
If all this talk of deadly dollies has you craving another afternoon with M3gan and her family, then you're in luck. "M3GAN" is currently streaming on Prime Video. If you don't want to commit to a lifetime friendship with her, you can also rent "M3GAN" on sites such as YouTube, RedBox, Google Play, Apple TV+, and Amazon Video.