The killer robot doll, M3GAN, is back in M3GAN 2.0, and this time, she might be your kid's new favorite action hero. Director Gerard Johnstone describes the film as a "gateway horror movie" for families, suggesting a shift in tone from the original's horror-comedy blend. Released on June 27, 2025, the sequel leans heavily into action, drawing comparisons to Terminator 2: Judgement Day.
Picking up two years after the first movie, M3GAN 2.0 sees Gemma (Allison Williams) now advocating for AI oversight, while Cady (Violet McGraw) grapples with teenage rebellion. The story kicks off when M3GAN's technology is stolen to create Amelia (Ivanna Sakhno), a military-grade AI weapon. With humanity at risk, Gemma and Cady must team up with a resurrected and upgraded M3GAN to stop Amelia.
The original M3GAN cleverly balanced horror with campy comedy, leading to viral success. The PG-13 rating allowed it to become a "gateway horror flick" for younger audiences. M3GAN 2.0 retains the PG-13 rating, promising "strong violent content, bloody images, some strong language, sexual material, and brief drug references". Johnstone has mentioned that some elements were toned down to achieve this rating. While the film still has some danger for the main characters, including a scene where Cady is dangled over a ledge, it appears to be more action-oriented than its predecessor.
Several reviewers have noted the tonal shift, with some describing the sequel as more of a sci-fi action thriller than a horror film. The film opens with an action sequence resembling a CIA thriller, setting the stage for a plot involving a rogue AI and global stakes. This shift allows M3GAN 2.0 to explore broader themes related to AI, such as the dangers of unregulated technology and the responsibilities of creators.
Despite the change in genre, M3GAN 2.0 retains the humor and campy elements that made the original popular. M3GAN's snarky personality and meme-worthy dance moves are back, along with new action sequences and one-liners. However, some critics feel that the humor is forced and that the film lacks the genuine scares of the first M3GAN.
The future of the M3GAN franchise looks bright, with a spin-off film called SOULM8TE already announced. While it's unclear whether M3GAN will appear in the spin-off, the possibility remains open. Director Gerard Johnstone has also discussed the potential for further sequels, suggesting that there could be as many as five M3GAN movies. He even joked about the possibility of a M3GAN TV series or anime. However, Johnstone has stated that he has no immediate plans to pitch M3GAN 3.0, as he put all his ideas into the sequel.
Ultimately, M3GAN 2.0 aims to deliver a fun and entertaining experience for a wider audience. By shifting away from horror and embracing action and comedy, the film hopes to attract families and younger viewers who might have been too scared to watch the original. Whether it succeeds in capturing the same magic remains to be seen, but M3GAN 2.0 is poised to become a "gateway" film that introduces a new generation to the world of AI thrillers.
