The highly anticipated horror film featuring a killer AI doll, M3GAN, which stands for Model 3 Generative Android, hit theaters on January 6, 2023. Even before its theatrical release, Universal Pictures expressed immense satisfaction with the film, prompting discussions about a sequel. Just two weeks post-release, Universal officially announced the upcoming sequel, M3GAN 2.0, slated for release in 2025. Although the release date has shifted multiple times—from January 17 to May 16 and now to June 25—the film is currently in production and maintains a strong likelihood of adhering to the June timeline. As we eagerly await the return of this chilling doll, we have compiled a comprehensive overview of M3GAN 2.0, detailing everything we know so far.

Meet the Visionary Creative Team Behind M3GAN 2.0

The captivating storyline of the original M3GAN was brought to life by producer James Wan, famed for his work in horror classics, alongside screenwriter Akela Cooper, who previously collaborated with Wan on Malignant and The Nun II. To refresh your memory, the first film revolves around a seemingly innocent doll that transforms into a terrifying entity. The plot encapsulates the chilling notion that M3GAN is not merely a toy, but rather an integral member of the family. This doll, designed by the talented roboticist Gemma, is equipped with advanced AI, enabling her to learn and adapt as she forms a bond with her child companion. When Gemma suddenly becomes the guardian of her orphaned niece, Cady, she faces overwhelming challenges. In a desperate attempt to balance her professional and personal life, Gemma pairs Cady with her prototype M3GAN, leading to unforeseen and harrowing consequences.

Returning to direct M3GAN is Gerard Johnstone, who successfully helmed the original film. While specific plot details for M3GAN 2.0 remain tightly under wraps, Entertainment Weekly disclosed that the narrative stems from a combination of an initial concept by Wan and an idea that Johnstone envisioned for the first film. Johnstone shared insights, stating, “I had actually a different idea for the ending of M3GAN, which would’ve been interesting but probably not as satisfying. The good thing about doing a sequel is I got the chance to expand on that idea into a longer narrative. The idea James had fit really well with that. So, it was just a really good marriage of those two things.”

Prior to the release of the first film, Wan hinted at a broader universe, stating, “I always think of a bigger world. I don’t just think of that one story; I think of the bigger world. So if we’re fortunate enough to tell any other stories, we can pull from the bigger world.” In his discussions with Collider, he elaborated, “What I will say to that is, in any of my movies, whether it’s The Conjuring Universe, or Saw, or Malignant, or M3GAN, we like to think of a bigger world. For me, it’s about creating the world, knowing the characters, and understanding where the story could potentially lead. This foundation allows us to build a larger narrative, giving us the opportunity for sequels.” Following the film’s successful opening weekend, Wan expressed hopes for exploring the extensive universe of AI, teasing the possibility of M3GAN’s Revenge.

In a recent interview with Empire Magazine, Wan confirmed that the sequel will delve deeper into the societal concerns surrounding AI technology. “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.”

Before initiating the sequel’s production, Johnstone convened the creative team for a thorough analysis of the first film, likening it to a post-game review. He emphasized the importance of understanding what resonated with audiences: “It was really important that the sequel is a response to what people really loved about the first movie, but also this evolving conversation and fear we’re having about how AI is changing us and our children and society. M3GAN embodies these fears.

The script for M3GAN 2.0, penned by Akela Cooper, promises to continue Gemma’s journey as a hesitant parent while exploring themes akin to Frankenstein’s monster and real-world AI parallels. M3GAN, ever the persistent entity, finds a way to return, remaining obsessed with Cady, who may be following in her aunt’s footsteps by venturing into robotics.

Esteemed producers James Wan, Jason Blum, and Allison Williams are at the forefront of M3GAN 2.0, while Johnstone takes on the role of executive producer alongside Mark Katchur, Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Ryan Turek, Adam Hendricks, and Greg Gilreath.

Meet the Talented Cast of M3GAN 2.0

In the sequel to M3GAN, beloved stars Violet McGraw and Allison Williams return to portray Cady and Gemma, respectively. Additionally, Brian Jordan Alvarez and Jen Van Epps are reprising their roles as Gemma’s colleagues, Cole and Tess. The sequel also welcomes new talent, including Ivanna Sakhno from Ahsoka, Jemaine Clement known for What We Do in the Shadows, Timm Sharp from Blunt Talk, and Aristotle Athari of Saturday Night Live. Although details regarding Sakhno’s character remain undisclosed, Deadline has indicated that she plays a significant role in the sequel.

As for M3GAN, Williams shared at the New York Comic Con that the character has developed a diva-like personality. “Animatronics are, you know, temperamental. Sometimes she is rolled onto set. The vibe shifts in the room. It gets way spookier. It was fun to do it the second time. ‘Okay, so we know how this is achieved. We know how to do it.’ We can have a little bit more fun with it. And make it bigger and more expansive, without giving too much away.” Attendees were treated to a video message from M3GAN herself, who quipped, “Hi, New York Comic Con! Miss me? Sorry I couldn’t be there, because I’m slaying on set for my killer new film M3GAN 2.0. I’ve been upgraded. See you nerds in June.”

M3GAN’s wardrobe is set to undergo a transformation in the sequel. Johnstone expressed his vision for the character’s looks, stating, “She’s a living doll, and part of the fun of having a doll is being able to play dress-up. We had a couple of looks in the first film, but I wanted 10 different looks for M3GAN. For the sequel, I felt like here’s a chance to do that.”

The Expanding Universe of the M3GAN Franchise

Regardless of the box office performance of M3GAN 2.0, the franchise is set for expansion. Wan’s production company Atomic Monster, alongside Blumhouse, is developing a new film titled SOULM8TE, which will exist within the same universe as the M3GAN films. The story, conceived by Wan, his wife Ingrid Bisu, and Rafael Jordan, focuses on a man who acquires an AI android to help him cope with the loss of his recently deceased wife. In his quest to create a truly sentient companion, he inadvertently transforms a harmless lovebot into a deadly soulmate. The cast includes David Rysdahl as the grieving husband and Lily Sullivan as the AI android, with Claudia Doumit in an undisclosed role. SOULM8TE is slated for theatrical release on January 2, 2026, approximately six months after M3GAN 2.0.

If M3GAN 2.0 proves to be a success, the likelihood of seeing M3GAN in future installments increases significantly. Wan and Blumhouse have a history of creating franchises with multiple sequels. While there have been humorous suggestions about crossovers with characters like Chucky and Annabelle, it’s more plausible that M3GAN will continue her reign of terror in her own series. Johnstone humorously mentioned his vision for a future sequel, stating, “Just jokingly, whenever the producers asked me what I think about a sequel, I’ve always said M3GAN 3000. M3GAN in a Mad Max universe. I would absolutely line up to see that.”