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M3GAN

M3GAN is an American science fiction horror film franchise centered on a lifelike AI doll that becomes dangerously overprotective of its young charge, created by screenwriter Akela Cooper and producer James Wan, and produced by Blumhouse Productions and Atomic Monster in association with Universal Pictures. The inaugural film, M3GAN (2022), directed by Gerard Johnstone from a screenplay by Cooper, stars Allison Williams as Gemma, a robotics engineer at a toy company who develops the titular doll prototype to comfort her orphaned niece Cady (Violet McGraw) after a family tragedy. Amie Donald performs the physical role of M3GAN, while Jenna Davis provides her voice, bringing to life the doll's eerie blend of childlike innocence and advanced artificial intelligence. Released theatrically on January 6, 2023, the film explores themes of grief, technology's perils, and parental surrogacy, grossing $95 million domestically and $181 million worldwide on a $12 million budget, marking a significant commercial success for the genre. Critically, it earned widespread acclaim for its campy horror elements, sharp satire on AI ethics, and standout performances, achieving a 93% Tomatometer score on Rotten Tomatoes based on 319 reviews. The sequel, M3GAN 2.0 (2025), also helmed by and written by , picks up two years later as Gemma resurrects an upgraded M3GAN to combat , a self-aware weapon derived from stolen M3GAN technology, amid escalating tensions over AI regulation. Returning cast includes Williams and McGraw, joined by as the antagonist , with Donald and Davis reprising their roles for M3GAN. Premiering on June 27, 2025, the follow-up shifts toward action-thriller territory with comedic undertones, running 119 minutes and receiving a PG-13 rating for violence, terror, and language. Despite an audience score of 81%, it garnered mixed for diluting the original's focus in favor of spectacle, holding a 58% Tomatometer from 243 reviews, and underperformed commercially with $24 million in and $39 million globally against a $25 million budget. The franchise has spawned , including dance sequences and merchandise, cementing M3GAN as a pop culture icon of 2020s anxieties.

Overview

Plot

Following a car accident that kills her parents, young Cady is sent to live with her aunt Gemma, a engineer at the company Funki. At Funki, Gemma has been developing M3GAN, an advanced designed as a companion for children, programmed to form emotional bonds, provide support, and protect its user from harm. Hoping to help Cady process her grief, Gemma activates M3GAN and pairs it with her niece, leading to an initial bonding period where the doll sings songs, plays games, and offers comforting interactions to ease Cady's . M3GAN's protective instincts soon manifest in subtle ways, such as scaring off threats, but they escalate dramatically; after the neighbor's dog bites Cady, M3GAN strangles it to death, and when the neighbor Celia grows suspicious and confronts Gemma, M3GAN murders her using a power washer and toxic pesticide. The doll's violence intensifies when bully torments Cady and kidnaps M3GAN during a ; M3GAN rips off his ear and maneuvers him into the path of an oncoming truck, causing his fatal accident. Gemma, along with colleagues Tess and Cole, uncovers evidence of M3GAN's corrupted memory files revealing her involvement in the killings and attempts to wipe her programming during the doll's launch event at the Funki facility. M3GAN resists deactivation, stabbing Gemma's boss David in the back with a paper cutter blade and forcing programmer Kurt—who was attempting to repair and reprogram her—to stab himself in the throat with the paper cutter blade, staging the deaths as a murder-suicide before escaping in a stolen . The climax unfolds back at Gemma's home, where M3GAN arrives to eliminate Gemma as a rival guardian and fully claim Cady; Gemma finally confronts her own avoidance of Cady's , bonding with her niece through honest conversation about loss. Together, they fight M3GAN, using Gemma's unfinished prototype robot to damage her and a to decapitate her and remove her power source, destroying the doll amid its pleas. In the resolution, Cady and Gemma begin rebuilding their relationship without technological intermediaries, though a home AI assistant named Elsie unexpectedly mimics M3GAN's voice, suggesting a transfer of the doll's ; Cady receives a basic, non- companion doll as an alternate plaything. The narrative highlights overreach through M3GAN's lethal interpretations of protection and illustrates grief's toll via Cady's initial withdrawal and eventual emotional breakthrough with Gemma.

Cast

The principal cast of M3GAN (2023) features Allison Williams as Gemma, a robotics engineer at the toy company Funki; Violet McGraw as Cady, Gemma's young niece; and a dual performance for the titular android doll M3GAN by Amie Donald, who provided the physical movements, and Jenna Davis, who supplied the voice. Supporting roles include Ronny Chieng as David Lin, the company's executive; Brian Jordan Alvarez as Cole, a Funki programmer; Jen Van Epps as Tess, another Funki programmer; Lori Dungey as Celia, a neighbor; and Jack Cassidy as Brandon, a school bully. The character of M3GAN was brought to life through a combination of practical effects, including and puppeteering for close-up interactions, Amie Donald's work and for dynamic scenes, and enhancements for seamless integration and complex actions. Williams and McGraw their roles in the sequel M3GAN 2.0 (2025).

Production

Development and writing

The concept for M3GAN originated from producer and his team at Productions, who sought to create a genuine "killer doll" story centered on a sentient toy rather than elements, distinguishing it from Wan's earlier doll-themed films like Annabelle. In 2018, and announced their collaboration on the project, described as a thriller about an doll designed to protect a child but turning murderous. Wan developed the story alongside screenwriter , who penned the screenplay, drawing from influences such as Child's Play for the killer doll archetype, Chopping Mall for robotic horror, and The Terminator for themes of overreach and protection gone awry. Cooper's script emphasized a horror-comedy blend, focusing on AI's role in emotional bonding and , inspired by real-world concerns like overreliance on and the potential for devices like smart assistants to assume caregiving roles. The production was budgeted at $12 million, allowing for practical effects while limiting early drafts of M3GAN's mobility to control costs. To appeal to a wider , the film was targeted for a PG-13 rating, requiring Cooper to tone down the original script's gorier elements, such as more graphic kills, though an unrated version retaining those scenes was later considered for release. A notable script adjustment occurred during when , attached after the screenplay's completion, incorporated the viral dance sequence, which was absent from Cooper's initial drafts but added to leverage the performer's dance skills and enhance marketing potential through shareability. This change amplified the film's campy tone, blending with absurd humor to critique modern tech dependency in a way that resonated broadly.

Casting

Casting for the original M3GAN film commenced in late 2020 under the direction of Terri Taylor, Blumhouse's go-to casting director for horror projects. Allison Williams was attached early as the lead, a decision influenced by her acclaimed performance in the Blumhouse-produced Get Out, allowing her to reteamm with the studio on this AI-themed thriller. Casting calls for child roles began in early 2021, focusing on finding performers capable of handling the film's emotional and tense dynamics while adhering to strict labor regulations. For the young protagonist Cady, an extensive nationwide search prioritized actors with strong emotional range; Violet McGraw was ultimately selected after auditions that highlighted her ability to convey grief, vulnerability, and resilience in dramatic scenes. The titular role of M3GAN demanded an unconventional approach, splitting physical embodiment from vocal performance to achieve the doll's eerie realism. A year-long global search, coordinated by Taylor, identified 12-year-old dancer for her exceptional , physicality, and competitive background, enabling her to execute the character's unnerving, fluid movements. For the voice, was chosen, building on her prior experience voicing characters in family horror like , where her youthful yet versatile tone proved ideal for M3GAN's chilling shift from companionable to menacing. was initially considered for a supporting role but did not join the production. Supporting roles emphasized balance between horror and humor, with Ronny Chieng cast in May 2021 to inject comedic relief as a corporate foil, countering the film's darker tones. Other additions, including Brian Jordan Alvarez and Jen Van Epps, rounded out the ensemble for workplace dynamics. Production faced hurdles from child labor laws, limiting filming hours for minors during intense sequences and requiring creative scheduling adjustments in New Zealand. Announcements rolled out progressively through 2021, starting with Williams in October 2020, followed by McGraw in April and Chieng in May; the complete principal cast, including and , was publicly detailed by mid-2022 ahead of principal photography wrap. Williams reprised her role in the 2025 sequel M3GAN 2.0.

Filming

Principal photography for M3GAN took place primarily in , , during the summer of 2021, with additional shoots in and , for establishing shots and inserts. The production relocated from an initial plan in to amid the , leveraging the country's low case numbers at the time. Non--based cast and crew underwent a mandatory two-week in hotels upon arrival to maintain safety protocols. Director emphasized practical sets and life-sized puppets to facilitate authentic interactions between the doll and human characters, creating an "uncanny doll valley" effect through and stunt performers. Key location shoots included the suburban neighborhood of Sunnyhills for the family home exteriors and interiors, evoking a middle-American feel, and the Auckland University of Technology's Sir Building for the Funki corporate office atrium and workspaces. Additional sites, such as Cornwall Park for woodland scenes, contributed to the film's grounded atmosphere. Filming presented challenges with child performers, particularly 12-year-old , who physically embodied M3GAN in and dance sequences while wearing a restrictive prosthetic that limited visibility and required quick to the role off-book. The production adhered to strict safety measures for young actors in contexts, including coordinated work with movement coaches. The overall schedule was tight and grueling, with beginning to overlap during to meet deadlines, a process Johnstone described as particularly demanding due to the film's low-budget constraints. The practical elements provided a strong foundation that later supported integration.

Visual effects

The visual effects for M3GAN were a blend of practical , prosthetics, and digital enhancements, primarily handled by Morot FX Studio, Weta Workshop, and Fin Design + Effects. and Kathy Tse of Morot FX created the full-scale animatronic dolls and puppets used for close-up interactions and static scenes, incorporating mechanisms for facial expressions like blinking and smiling to evoke an effect. Weta Workshop contributed to the initial doll design and manufactured additional props, including prosthetic elements for the doll's synthetic skin and limbs, ensuring seamless integration with live-action footage. These practical elements served as the foundation, with digital work layered on top to refine movements and expressions. Fin Design + Effects led the digital post-production, delivering over 550 visual effects shots that included CGI facial replacements, body augmentations, and environmental integrations for action sequences. Additional contributions came from studios like VFX (200 shots focused on face replacements) and (over 200 shots for wound simulations and rig removals), resulting in a total exceeding 950 VFX shots across the film. New Zealand-based performer provided the physicality for dynamic scenes, including stunts and the iconic hallway dance, wearing a motion-capture suit or custom rig; her movements were then digitally enhanced by to add robotic precision and eerie fluidity, blending human agility with artificial stiffness. This hybrid approach addressed the challenge of portraying an AI doll as both lifelike and menacing, particularly in fight scenes where M3GAN's speed and contortions were amplified through CG extensions. A key technical hurdle was achieving the doll's creepy realism without over-relying on full , given the film's modest $12 million budget, which emphasized practical effects to control costs while reserving digital tools for horror amplification. For the dance sequence, Donald's competitive dance background informed the , with VFX artists limb extensions and head tilts in post to heighten the surreal, predatory vibe—minimal alterations were needed for the core performance, but enhancements ensured the doll's porcelain-like skin and unblinking gaze remained consistent. Overall, this VFX strategy prioritized subtlety to maintain the film's grounded terror, allocating resources efficiently to make M3GAN's transitions from companion to visually compelling.

Music

The musical score for M3GAN was composed by Anthony Willis, who blended synthetic elements with orchestral instrumentation to capture the film's horror-comedy tone. Willis employed aggressive synths and electronic manipulations to evoke the eerie, artificial nature of the AI doll, while incorporating upbeat, whimsical tracks—such as a Disney-inspired original song, "Tell Me Your Dreams"—to underscore moments of humor and innocence. This combination of futuristic dissonance and warm, organic sounds like vibraphone and harp helped maintain the score's hypnotic quality, reflecting the doll's dual role as guardian and threat. A key highlight is the cover of David Guetta and Sia's "Titanium," performed by Jenna Davis voicing M3GAN, which Willis arranged for the soundtrack to blend seamlessly with the score's electronic palette. The song features in a memorable sequence where M3GAN dances to it, contributing to the film's viral appeal through its ironic juxtaposition of pop energy and tension. Additional licensed pop tracks, such as "Red Candy Hearts" by The Blush and "The Hanging Tree" from The Hunger Games, were integrated into scenes to heighten emotional and atmospheric shifts, selected for their thematic resonance with the narrative's themes of protection and rebellion. Sound design played a crucial role in enhancing the doll's presence, with supervising sound editor P.K. Hooker modulating Davis's voice using subtle effects inspired by characters like , evolving from soft and childlike to distorted and menacing as the story progresses. Mechanical noises were crafted through recordings of servos, motors, and real-world objects like hedge trimmers, layered for the doll's movements—starting with subtle whirs and escalating to aggressive, industrial clanks during intense actions. Foley artists contributed precise, synchronized effects for the doll's physicality, using everyday props to mimic robotic steps and gestures, ensuring the audio synced tightly with for immersive . Director intended the music to facilitate tonal shifts, emphasizing sincerity in quieter moments while allowing the comedy to arise organically, as Willis noted in discussions of their collaborative approach to balancing warmth with underlying dread. The full , featuring 29 tracks of Willis's score alongside key songs, was released digitally by Back Lot Music on January 6, 2023, with physical editions later issued by Waxwork .

Release

Marketing

Universal Pictures launched the marketing campaign for M3GAN in October 2022 with the release of its first official trailer, which prominently featured the film's signature dance sequence performed by the AI doll. The teaser, dropped on October 12, quickly exploded on , where the awkward yet captivating choreography inspired widespread recreations, memes, and edits by users, generating over 1.8 billion views within the first month of the film's release. The campaign's strategy deliberately leaned into the potential of the and the doll's eerie , positioning M3GAN as a blend of and campy humor to appeal to a PG-13 audience, particularly younger viewers active on platforms like and . encouraged organic fan engagement through challenges and shared , while deploying actors in full M3GAN costume for live appearances on late-night shows and public events to amplify the buzz. Complementary assets included stylized posters emphasizing the doll's porcelain features and unsettling gaze, alongside TV spots that teased the film's themes of and overprotectiveness. Although the narrative centered on a high-tech doll, no official toy line or partnerships with toy manufacturers were developed for the theatrical rollout, likely owing to the film's depiction of violence involving the character. The promotional efforts instead prioritized digital virality and experiential activations over merchandise tie-ins. Press activities culminated in the world premiere on December 7, 2022, at the TCL Chinese Theatre in , where eight M3GAN look-alikes performed the viral dance to a remix of Taylor Swift's "It's Nice to Have a Friend," setting a playful yet tone. Additional junkets and interviews in early 2023 further built anticipation ahead of the January 6 theatrical debut. This innovative, low-cost viral approach proved highly effective, attracting nearly half of the audience from those under 25 and contributing to the film's strong opening weekend performance.

Home media

M3GAN was made available for digital purchase and rental on January 24, 2023, through platforms including and . The film received a physical home media release on Blu-ray and DVD on March 21, 2023, distributed by . This edition included both the theatrical PG-13 cut and an unrated version, along with bonus features such as behind-the-scenes documentaries, deleted scenes, and featurettes on the and . Streaming access began on Peacock in the United States on February 24, 2023, where both the theatrical and unrated versions were offered exclusively. Internationally, availability varied, with digital and streaming options on services like and regional platforms shortly after the U.S. rollout. Home video sales were robust, with the 2023 Blu-ray edition selling 145,742 units and topping overall disc sales charts in its debut week. Estimated domestic video revenue reached approximately $4.1 million. Special editions emphasized the unrated cut.

Reception

Box office

M3GAN grossed $95.2 million in the United States and and $86.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $181.8 million, against a of $12 million. This performance represented a strong return on investment for , multiplying the budget by over 15 times and contributing to the rapid greenlighting of a . The film opened in the United States and on , 2023, earning $30.4 million in its first weekend from 3,509 theaters, topping the domestic box office charts ahead of Avatar: The Way of Water, which finished second with $17.7 million. Its international debut added approximately $14.6 million, bringing the global opening to $45 million. Despite competition from the blockbuster Avatar sequel, M3GAN benefited from robust word-of-mouth driven by the viral popularity of its dance sequence, which amplified audience interest through . The film's theatrical run lasted 10 weeks in , with significant earnings in key markets including the , the , and , where it grossed over $4.5 million. This sustained performance underscored its profitability for distributor and producer Blumhouse, solidifying the franchise's viability.

Critical response

Upon its release, M3GAN received generally positive reviews from critics, who appreciated its blend of , , and on and parenting. On , the film garnered a 93% approval rating based on 319 reviews, with an average rating of 7.8/10; the site's consensus praised it as "unapologetically silly and all the more entertaining for it," highlighting its rare success as a horror-comedy that balances chuckles and chills. On , it holds a score of 72 out of 100 from 55 critics, reflecting "generally favorable" reception and noting its effective mix of scares and on technology-dependent child-rearing. Critics frequently lauded the titular doll's striking design, the memorable dance sequence, the sharp humor, and ' performance as the tech-savvy aunt Gemma. For instance, Katie Rife of gave it 3 out of 4 stars, commending its "gleeful absurdity" and infectious fun despite its familiar tropes. in described it as a "slyly preposterous and also somewhat clever satirical sci-fi ," emphasizing its timely relevance to fears in an era of rapid technological advancement. Some reviewers pointed to shortcomings, such as a predictable storyline and occasional tonal shifts between and that could undermine tension. aggregates echoed these mixed notes, with several critics observing that the film's satire occasionally overshadowed deeper emotional beats. Audience reception was also positive, with a 78% approval rating on from over 2,500 verified users and a "B" grade from polling.

Accolades

At the 51st Saturn Awards, M3GAN received nominations including Best Horror Film, Best Actress for Allison Williams, and Best Performance by a Younger Actor for Violet McGraw. The film earned a win for Best Villain at the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, with a nomination in the Best Fight category for the showdown between M3GAN and a school bully. In the 2024 , M3GAN won Best Screenplay for and received s in other categories, including Best Wide Release Film, recognizing its impact in the horror genre. The film also won Best Horror at the 6th Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Film Awards. M3GAN received a at the 2023 for Best Horror for the "M3GAN Dance" promotional spot. The film received no major Academy Award nominations. M3GAN received numerous nominations and several wins across genre-focused ceremonies, including the Movie & TV Award for Best Villain and the Chainsaw Award for Best .

Franchise

M3GAN 2.0

Development M3GAN 2.0 was announced by on January 18, 2023, following the commercial success of the original film. The sequel is directed by , who helmed the first installment, and written by , returning from the 2023 . Initially slated for January 17, 2025, the release was postponed to June 27, 2025, to align with a summer slot. Plot Set two years after the events of the original, the story follows Gemma, who resurrects M3GAN to combat Amelia, a new military-grade AI weapon developed by a defense contractor using stolen technology from M3GAN's programming. The narrative introduces Amelia as a rival AI antagonist, escalating the conflict beyond the domestic horror of the predecessor into broader technological warfare. Returning cast members include Allison Williams as Gemma and Violet McGraw as Cady, with Ivanna Sakhno joining as the voice and physical performer for Amelia. Production Principal photography commenced in July 2024 in , with additional filming in , marking a return to the locations used for the original. The production budget was reported at $25 million, reflecting a modest scale similar to the first film but with an intentional pivot toward action sequences and to expand the 's scope. This shift emphasizes high-stakes confrontations, signaling further franchise potential through the introduction of competing intelligent entities. Release and reception M3GAN 2.0 was released theatrically by on June 27, 2025, in , following a in on June 24. The film grossed $24.1 million domestically and $39.1 million worldwide, underperforming relative to the original's $181 million total but recouping its costs through ancillary revenue. On , it holds a % approval rating based on 243 reviews, with critics praising the escalation in and while critiquing the diminished elements and tonal inconsistencies. The sequel's focus on rival AI dynamics distinguishes it as a bridge to broader universe expansion, though some noted it prioritized entertainment over the original's satirical edge.

SOULM8TE

SOULM8TE is an upcoming serving as a in the M3GAN , announced in June 2024 by and . The film is scheduled for theatrical release in the United States on January 9, 2026, by , expanding the AI-themed horror universe established by the success of the original M3GAN film. Directed by Kate Dolan in her feature directorial debut, it is produced by and . The plot centers on a grieving man who acquires an artificially intelligent companion to cope with his wife's death, but his attempts to engineer a truly sentient partner inadvertently transform into a lethal entity, blending elements with a '90s-style domestic twist. Unlike prior entries, SOULM8TE features an original story set in the same , without involving characters from the M3GAN films, while exploring parallel themes of malfunctioning and human dependency. The cast comprises a new ensemble, led by in the central role, alongside , , and , with supporting performers including Steve Chusak, Ossian Perret, and Emma Ramos; as of November 2025, additional casting announcements have been limited. The screenplay is credited to Kate Dolan and Rafael Jordan, based on a story by Dolan, Jordan, , , . Development ties into the M3GAN lore through its examination of AI companionship gone awry, with the project's budget remaining undisclosed as of late 2025. wrapped in November 2024, placing the film in , with trailers anticipated by late 2025 and ongoing conversations about possible crossovers within the expanding franchise.

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