Our favorite killer robot is almost back in M3GAN 2.0 as we approach the June 27 release date for the sequel to Universal’s 2022 breakout sci-fi/horror hit produced by Jason Blum’s Blumhouse and James Wan’s Atomic Monster (now housed under one banner).
Original M3GAN director Gerard Johnston returns to direct the killer sophomore installment, as well as pen the screenplay (based on a story he concocted alongside original screenwriter Akela Cooper), which further tackles the franchise’s timely exploration of artificial intelligence and the threat it poses to a thriving human society.
The first M3GAN was both a box office and critical darling, netting a fresh score of 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and nearly $200 million at the worldwide box office. Creepy, hilarious, and capable of viral dance moves, the titular doll established herself as a new genre icon right up there in the pantheon with Chucky and the Terminator.
Head below for a nifty rundown on everything you need to know about the movie — from plot info, to casting details, and more.
Where does the M3GAN sequel pick up the story?
Picking up two years after the events of the first film, M3GAN 2.0 finds roboticist Gemma (Allison Williams) working as a bestselling author and staunch advocate for government oversight of A.I. Gemma’s niece, Cady (Violet McGraw), is now a rebellious 14-year-old acting out against her aunt’s overprotective rules.
Unbeknownst to either of them, however, the underlying technology that gave rise to M3GAN has been used to develop a military-grade weapon, the perfect infiltrator and assassin, known as Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno). But as the robot’s sentience increases, her desire to take orders from humans plummets. With the fate of humanity at stake, Gemma and Cady have no choice but to resurrect M3GAN with a few badass upgrades.
Watch the trailer for M3GAN 2.0
In addition to writing and directing, Johnstone is now an executive producer alongside Adam Hendricks, Greg Gilreath, Michael Clear, Judson Scott, and Mark D. Katchur. James Wan and Jason Blum are producers with Allison Williams.
The sequel is part of a growing film universe that will soon encompass SOULM8TE, an erotic thriller hailing from writer-director Kate Dolan (You Are Not My Mother). Set to arrive in early 2026, this M3GAN spinoff centers around a grieving man who acquires an android meant to help him cope with the recent death of his wife. Things take a turn when said robot goes from benevolent machine to lethal soulmate.
Who stars in M3GAN 2.0?
The sequel brings back plenty of familiar faces from the first film. Returning cast members include Allison Williams (Gemma, M3GAN’s creator); Violet McGraw (Cady, Gemma’s niece); Amie Donald and Jenna Davis (the body and voice of M3GAN); Brian Jordan Alvarez (corporate spy Cole); and Jen Van Epps (Tess, Gemma’s former colleague at the Funki toy company).
Newcomers to the hit horror franchise are Ivanna Sakhno (Pacific Rim Uprising), Aristotle Athari (Silicon Valley), Timm Sharp (Percy Jackson and the Olympians), and Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Concords).
What is M3GAN 2.0 rated?
M3GAN 2.0 has landed a PG-13 designation “for strong violent content, bloody images, some strong language, sexual material, and brief drug references,” per FilmRatings.com,
What is M3GAN 2.0‘s release date?
The sequel arrives exclusively on the big screen Friday, June 27 by way of Universal Pictures. Tickets are expected to go on sale from Fandango soon!
M3GAN 2.0 will also eventually stream on Peacock later this year!
Both the PG-13 and unrated cuts of M3GAN are now available to rent and/or purchase from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.
