M3GAN 2.0 starts production: Everything we know about the sequel

Universal is pushing the killer toy to a new summer release date in 2025. Here's everything else we know about the film.

M3GAN - Courtesy Universal
M3GAN - Courtesy Universal

Remember the dancing yet murderous doll, M3GAN? Well, she'll soon be back in an upcoming horror film called M3GAN 2.0. This is the sequel to the box office hit M3GAN, and we can't wait to see it when it hits theaters on its (new) release date, June 27, 2025.

We first learned of a potential sequel back in November 2022 when The New York Times reported that Universal (the studio behind the film) was happy with how M3GAN turned out and was looking to make a second film. Then, in January 2023, M3GAN director Gerard Johnstone confirmed that talks were being had about a sequel in an interview with Collider. In that same interview, James Wan, writer and producer of M3GAN, mentioned that he had an idea of where a second film would go.

Allison Williams at the NY screening of M3GAN
Universal Pictures Presents a special NY screening of M3GAN | Slaven Vlasic/GettyImages

That same month, M3GAN 2.0 was officially announced to be a go by Universal and was given a 2025 release. A Jan. 17, 2025 release date was set at the time, with Akela Cooper returning to write the script for the sequel. Cooper wrote the screenplay for the first film. However, a director had not been announced. Allison Williams and Violet McGraw had signed on to return in their respective roles as Gemma and Cady in M3GAN 2.0. Wan, Williams, and Jason Blum were announced to be serving as producers, and Michael Clear, Judson Scott, Ryan Turek, Mark Katchur, Adam Hendricks, and Greg Gilreath as executive producers. Johnstone eventually joined the sequel as director.

Unfortunately, plot details about the sequel are being kept secret, but it looks like we'll see the return of M3GAN based on how the first film ends. SPOILER: The original film ends with Gemma and Cady seemingly destroying M3GAN, but in the last scene, Gemma's smart home device turns on by itself. This implies that M3GAN was able to successfully transfer her AI processor to the smart home device, meaning she hasn't been completely destroyed. She just doesn't have a physical body.

Ivanna Sakhno
2024 Mercy For Animals Hope Gala | Paul Archuleta/GettyImages

In May 2024, Ukrainian actress Ivanna Sakhno was announced to have joined the M3GAN 2.0 cast. You might recognize her from her role as Shin Hati in the space fantasy series Ahsoka. She also played the role of Cadet Viktoriya in Pacific Rim Uprising and Nadedja in The Spy Who Dumped Me. It's unknown who she will be playing in M3GAN 2.0, but it's been reported that she has a major part in the film. We'll get back to you with character details once they're revealed.

On July 16, the cameras officially started rolling on the sequel. Three new cast members were also announced: Timm Sharp (Apples Never Fall), Aristotle Athari (Saturday Night Live, Hacks), and Jemaine Clement (Human Resources, Thelma the Unicorn). In addition, Jenna Davis returns as the voice of M3GAN, Brian Jordan Alvarez as Cole, and Jen Van Epps as Tess.

Blumhouse shared a teaser trailer through its official X account to announce that production started. You can check it out below.

When is M3GAN 2.0 coming to theaters?

While the film was originally scheduled for a January 2025 theatrical release, it was pushed back to May 16, 2025, for an unknown reason. Then in May 2024, Variety revealed the film had been pushed back again, this time to June 27, 2025. That's when M3GAN 2.0 will be released in a theater near you, so be sure to save the date!

Although a streaming release hasn't been confirmed, the film will most likely make its way to Peacock sometime after its theatrical release. That's where Universal movies stream after their theatrical runs, and that's what happened with the first film. A digital release is also expected at a later date.

That's all we know so far about the highly anticipated sequel. We'll come back and share new information about M3GAN 2.0 as it's announced.

To stay up to date on all things horror and 1428 Elm, follow our Facebook page and Twitter account!