In 2022, the world was horrified when M3GAN hit theaters for the first time, taking the world of horror by storm and gaining a cult following. The film managed to become a viral hit with the help of “M3GAN’s” spine-chilling dancing, sass, and gruesome murders. The horror film managed to gross over $181 million at the box office which can be attributed to its unique concept combining AI, dark humor, and horror.
Now, the highly anticipated sequel, M3GAN 2.0, is set to release on June 27, 2025, with director Gerard Johnstone returning alongside screenwriter Akela Cooper and producers James Wan & Jason Blum (The Conjuring, Insidious, Halloween).
So, what can fans expect from M3GAN 2.0? Let’s break down everything we know.
Plot: A Bigger, More Dangerous AI Threat
M3GAN 2.0 is set 2 years after the first film and focuses on the aftermath that follows the advanced technological world after the M3GAN doll was destroyed. While the world appears to be moving on, the AI technology never seems to stop advancing.
Details of the plot have yet to be revealed, but the following details have been oozed out by some sources:
We know that Gemma portrayed by Allision Williams has now become a household name after her advocacy for AI ethics and has shifted the narrative when it comes to the bot claiming that it is extremely dangerous.
Now 14 years old, Cady (Violet McGraw) is undergoing the challenges of adolescence and rebellion, which puts her at odds with Gemma.
Unknown to Cady, a powerful defense contractor has merged a military grade AI prototype named “Amelia” (Ivanna Sakhn) with the stolen M3GAN technology.
Amelia’s purpose is to kill M3GAN and surpass her abilities, but that proves to be an astonishingly difficult challenge once self awareness is developed and the choice to eliminate humanity arises.
In an act of desperation to regain control, Gemma accepts the thought of bringing M3GAN back, knowing there will be devastating consequences if she does.
This ultimately creates a finale for a techno-horror epic in which two AI doll robots battle out for supremacy – but the stakes are much higher than the previous film.
Returning & New Cast Members
Returning Cast
Allison Williams as Gemma, the roboticist who originally created M3GAN. She is determined to prevent another AI disaster, but she will most likely be compelled to breathe life into her creation once more.
Violet McGraw as Cady who, now a teenager, has trust issues and feels the need to assert her independence while still being affected by her relationship with M3GAN.
Amie Donald reprises her role as M3GAN’s physical performer, moving her limbs in an uncanny and chilling manner.
M3GAN’s iconic voice, well known for its sass and sinister charm, will once again be provided by Jenna Davis.
As Cole, Brian Jordan Alvarez plays Gemma’s equally nerdy co-worker.
Jen Van Epps also reprises her role as Tess, an engineer from the first film.
New Cast Members
M3GAN’s lethal counterpart, deeper and more sinister than M3GAN, will be played by Ivanna Sakhno (Ahsoka, Pacific Rim: Uprising) as Amelia, the new military engineered AI doll.
Jemaine Clement (What We Do In The Shadows) plays a yet unnamed villain who is rumored to be the CEO of the company that manufactured Amelia.
Timm Sharp (Enlightened) and Aristotle Athari (SNL) round out the cast in undisclosed parts.
Production & Filming
Filming started on July 15 and ended on September 21, 2024 in Auckland, New Zealand.
Gerard Johnstone, who directed the first film, claims that M3GAN 2.0 is “bigger, crazier and a lot scarier” than the original.
Every movie Screenwriter Akela Cooper (Malignant, The Nun II) writes promises of “more kills, more camp and more surprises” and has hinted that there will be even more of a mix of horror and comedy in this film.
Jason Blum and James Wan remark on how M3GAN 2.0 will add depth to AI horror by looking at how the code for M3GAN has survived and evolved, stating that it will be detrimental to the franchise.
First Teaser Trailer Review
The first teaser was released with the 2025 Grammy Awards, and although it doesn’t reveal much, it does contain some intriguing details.
Key Moments from the Teaser
M3GAN is seen in a neon dance studio practicing an intense routine by herself, only for the camera to pan and show she in not alone after all.
A fleeting glimpse of Amelia who is more sinister with her sleek black form and red LED eyes as compared to M3GAN.
A robotic voice distorts, saying, “Hello, M3GAN. I’ve been waiting for you.”
An abrupt series of explosions, with buildings engulfed in fire, broken mechanical limbs, and M3GAN’s blue eyes glowing and flashing ominously.
Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” serves as the backdrop to M3GAN performing a new dance which has been described as unsettling, within the final seconds of the teaser. This served as an homage to the viral TikTok phenomenon of M3GAN’s original dance sequence.
What to Expect from M3GAN 2.0
Raised horror for the sequel promises to be intertwined with a more elaborate, intense experience, and bigger overarching sequences.
Although M3GAN 2.0’s predecessor had limited events of violence, it appears as though the second installment is ready to break free from those rules.
She is expected to be more horrifying than M3GAN, signifying the possibility of AI Takeover War similar to Terminator.
A Look into the Morals of AI Technology
As the term of the sequel touches upon the self-awareness of artificial intelligence, control of government, and greed from corporations, weaponization of AI shall always have consequences.
Gemma’s arc will most likely center on her efforts to stop M3GAN’s tech from being abused, only for her to see that she may have birthed a Frankenstein she can’t reign in.
The last showdown of AI, M3GAN, alongside Amelia.
As we have come to “her reboot, her rival, her revenge”, we anticipate the most cinematic faceoff between two killer dolls powered with AI technology.
This time around, is M3GAN a hero or a villain?
Fun and saucier than ever
The first M3GAN was a pop culture phenomena and now, M3GAN 2.0 seems to be doing it with even more camp.
Expect more iconic dance mayhem, more memes-filled dialogues, and more AI trash talk.
Where to watch it and When
Theatrical release: M3GAN 2.0 comes to theaters on June 27, 2025.
Streaming release: No streaming service has been specified yet, but given the deal with Peacock, it is most likely reserved for late 2025.
Final remarks: Can M3GAN 2.0 surpass the expectations?
With a larger budget and a darker narrative filled with “so bad, it’s good” camp vibe, M3GAN 2.0 is set up to be a spine-chilling box office smash hit.
With M3GAN versus Amelia, we could have the ultimate horror showdown that combines the worlds of The Terminator, Child’s Play, and Ex Machina into one terrible ride.