Did You Catch This Nod to a John Carpenter Classic in M3GAN 2.0?

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It’s always possible to have too much discussion about John Carpenter‘s “The Thing” when it comes to popular culture.

Reflecting on how Carpenter’s directorial career took a hit following the unfavorable reception of the 1982 film four decades ago, it’s our responsibility as fans to shower this once-misjudged sci-fi/horror gem with all the affection we can muster to compensate for years of neglect. It feels incredibly rewarding to witness a fresh wave of filmmakers acknowledging the movie – be it Stan Uris growing spider-like limbs in ‘It Chapter Two’ or a subtle ‘Thing’ poster in Cady’s room in ‘M3GAN 2.0’, currently playing in cinemas everywhere; click here for tickets.

It transpires that Gerard Johnstone, who is both the writer and director as well as the executive producer of this production, expresses a deep fondness for John Carpenter’s work. This information was shared with SYFY WIRE via email by Brendan Heffernan, the sequel’s production designer, who has previously worked on films like “30 Days of Night” and “Time Bandits.

For More on John Carpenter’s The Thing

As a dedicated enthusiast, I’m thrilled to share that legendary filmmaker John Carpenter has disclosed an essential clue hidden within the classic horror movie, “The Thing,” which could potentially resolve its enigmatic ending. The remastered version of the game, “The Thing: Remastered,” has addressed a significant problem from the original, as confirmed by the developers. In an exclusive conversation, both Kurt Russell and John Carpenter have discussed the movie’s ending at length over time.

M3GAN 2.0 production designer Brendan Heffernan explains that John Carpenter Easter egg

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As a gamer, I’d say: “In the intense fight between Amelia and M3Gan, ‘Big Trouble in Little China’ served as a significant influence, according to Heffernan. Since Universal Pictures collaborated with Blumhouse and Atomic Monster on the M3Gan Franchise, we were confident that we could secure rights for this classic poster from ‘The Thing’, a Universal film.

Two years after the initial story, Johnstone aimed to depict Cady (played by Violet McGraw) as a growingly independent teenager, challenging her aunt’s numerous limitations. To emphasize this development, they chose to use her bedroom as a backdrop. As Heffernan explains, “She is distinctive, self-reliant, and robust.” The set was intentionally adorned with modern and nostalgic band and movie posters, reflecting a distinct identity for a character who has experienced much and is attempting to shape herself through her own unique style.

From a broader perspective, that post about Thing really solidified M3GAN’s spot amongst Universal’s legendary roster of monstrous icons, making me all the more excited to be part of this horrifyingly awesome universe!

The production designer shared that Universal’s 20th-century monsters – the Wolfman, Dracula, Frankenstein’s Monster, the Invisible Man, and the Mummy – were subtly incorporated amidst collectibles, toys, key chains, and other items in the set decoration. Notably, the design also aimed to highlight iconic props that would advance the storyline. The narrative focused on M3GAN, who had been studying Cady and recreated Cady’s room within her lair. The objective was to create a setting that felt both familiar yet unsettlingly eerie; a replica but with an ominous twist. The design drew inspiration from a witch’s gingerbread house.

Heffernan goes on to explain, “Gerard was fascinated by the concept of a home gone awry when created by AI. To convey this tale effectively, it was crucial for the audience to perceive the repetition. To achieve this, we meticulously included the same bedspread, furniture, and tables, enhancing them with superior musical instruments, collectibles, technology, and sweets. A notable item that encapsulated all these elements was the poster of ‘The Thing’… This prop would be visible in both settings. It would help us recognize the repetition, understand that Cady appreciates quality movies, and subconsciously realize that M3GAN is an icon much like John Carpenter’s ‘The Thing’.

For over four decades since its debut, “The Thing” continues to be an exemplar of cinematic artistry. Many accolades are deservedly bestowed upon Rob Bottin’s groundbreaking practical effects – the slime, ooze, and snap that still resonate strongly with the medium of film. As Heffernan notes, “Film captures a moment, and then it lasts forever. I appreciate that in ‘The Thing’, the camera captures genuine moments, even when they’re only real within the realm of illusion. Digital VFX are most effective when they complement this style instead of overshadowing it. ‘The Thing’ serves as a reminder of this…

While ‘The Thing’ excels in production design, its standout feature is the exceptional and bizarre creature makeup effects, all done practically without digital VFX. This is truly remarkable. Similarly, ‘M3GAN’ impresses with its practical approach to special effects and makeup, creating a lifelike M3GAN without relying on digital effects. The craftsmanship displayed by Adrien Morot and his team is astounding. Just like ‘The Thing’, ‘M3GAN’ serves as an inspiration for filmmakers who prefer practical methods in movie-making, offering a cooler, more enjoyable approach to film production.

M3GAN 2.0 is currently showing in cinemas nationwide. Grab your tickets here!

On the other hand, John Carpenter’s The Thing can now be purchased from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. They also offer the 2011 prequel and the 1951 classic, The Thing from Another World.

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2025-06-30 21:47