(Left to Right) M3GAN, Gemma (Allison Williams) and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
It’s time to meet your new best friend in the latest thriller from Blumhouse Productions, ‘M3GAN.’ M3GAN, AKA Model 3 Generative Android is a perfect storm of artificial intelligence programs that have become self-aware, and take their jobs too seriously.
The trailer had already created buzz on the internet in the lead-up to the film’s release, sparking endless memes of M3GAN performing a series of (now signature) dance moves before going into sword mode. In fact, prior to the film’s premiere, M3GAN’s team of dummy dancers were seen at various events and venues featuring signature numbers. The film opened on January 6, 2022 with $30.4 million domestically and has made over $171.2 million worldwide as of today. The story comes from the minds of Aleka Cooper (‘Malignant’) and James Wan (‘The Conjuring’ franchise), and is directed by Gerard Johnstone (‘Housebound’).
Who are the Players of ‘M3GAN?’
‘M3GAN’ stars Allison Williams (‘Get Out’) and Violet McGraw (‘The Haunting Of Hill House’), who are no strangers to the horror genre. When it comes to bringing a killer doll to life, a team is needed – the role is voiced by Jenna Davis, and physically played by 8-year-old actress Amie Donald. Paired with CGI to complete his signature look. The cast also includes Ronny Chien (‘Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings’), Brian Jordan Alvarez (’80 For Brady’), Jen Van Epps (‘Together Forever Tea’), Lori Dungey (‘The Lord of the Rings’). : The Fellowship of the Ring’) and Stephane Garneau-Monton.
Allison Williams as Gemma in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
What is ‘M3GAN’ About?
In the film, toy designer/robotist Gemma (Williams) is working on a child-sized android AI companion, which she names M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android). When Gemma becomes the parental guardian of her niece Cady (McGraw), she uses the opportunity to put M3GAN to the test. All was well until M3GAN’s artificial intelligence programming started taking its duties too seriously, going to extremes to protect Cady by brutally taking down anyone who rebelled against her.
The official synopsis for ‘M3GAN’ is:
“M3GAN is a marvel of artificial intelligence, a living doll programmed to be children’s best friend. When a brilliant roboticist gives his young nephew the M3GAN prototype, it immediately turns violent and does anything to protect the girl.
M3GAN in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2023 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Related Article: Movie Review: ‘M3GAN’
Will There Be a Sequel to ‘M3GAN’?
We’ll be looking at M3GAN again! The PG-13 horror film received positive reviews, guaranteeing a fresh score of 93% on the Tomato gauge from critics and 78% from audiences. Thanks to its popularity, the sequel ‘M3GAN 2.0’ is now in the works at Universal, to be released on January 17, 2025. In an interview with Variety, producer Jason Blum admitted that he had played with the idea of a sequel before. the first film was even released.
“After I watched the first film, we had a good feeling that a sequel might actually work. So, we broke our cardinal rule and we started talking about a sequel even before the movie was released. I feel so excited that we started entertaining sequels earlier than usual.”
Set to return to the follow-up film stars Allison Williams and Violet McGraw to reprise their roles as Gemma and Cady. Screenwriter Aleka Cooper will also return. There’s no word yet on whether Gerard Johnstone will return to direct or whether Blumhouse is eyeing a new director. The plot is being kept under wraps for now.
Where Can I Watch ‘M3GAN’ and the Unrated Version?
The film is still playing in select theaters. The film premiered on January 6, 2023, and has a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes.
Buy Tickets: ‘M3GAN’ Movie Show Schedule
Can’t get enough of the evil Android AI going on a killing spree? You are lucky. There’s also an unrated version with never-before-seen footage available exclusively on Peacock starting February 24th. A theatrical version is also available on Peacock.
Watch the official trailer for ‘M3GAN’ below:
When Will It Be Available For Online Streaming?
You can currently purchase a digital copy of ‘M3GAN’ from Amazon Prime Video, Vudu, Google Play or iTunes. Additionally, you can rent a digital copy of the film (with a 48-hour viewing window) on Amazon or iTunes.
Where to Watch: ‘M3GAN’ Online
Prefer to own a physical copy? ‘M3GAN’ will be available to purchase on DVD and Blu-Ray on March 21, 2023.
Buy ‘M3GAN’ On Amazon
(Left to Right) M3GAN and Cady (Violet McGraw) in ‘M3GAN,’ directed by Gerard Johnstone. © 2022 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.
Another Movie That Will Make You Question Your Smart Device
‘M3GAN’ provides suspense and comedy for its PG-13 rating, and is certainly on its way to becoming a cult hit. But the premise of faulty AI or living dolls isn’t the first of its kind. Here are some movies that will make you question the smart devices or child-sized dolls in your house.
‘M3GAN’ releases in theaters on January 6, 2022 from Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions, and Atomic Monster. Directed by Gerard Johnstone, and written by Akela Cooper, based on a story by James Wan, the film stars Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Ronny Chieng, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Lori Dungey, Amie Donald, and Jenna Davis as the voice of M3GAN.
Watch Moviefone’s interview with the cast and crew of ‘M3GAN’ below: