M3GAN 2.0 writer-director Gerard Johnstone believes his sassy killing machine has staying power.
In January 2023, the New Zealander’s first big studio appearance with the movie M3GAN reflected his personal concerns about today’s youth’s excessive reliance on electronic devices due to their emotional attachments. This film, which brought in almost $182 million from a budget of just $12 million, tells the story of Cady James (played by Violet McGraw), who was orphaned in a car accident and raised by her distracted roboticist aunt, Gemma Forrester (Allison Williams). To help with this task, Gemma employs an advanced android doll named M3GAN. However, the situation spirals out of control when Cady develops an unhealthy dependence on M3GAN, leading to a series of tragic events where the AI-powered toy ends up causing the deaths of four people (including a dog), supposedly acting in Cady’s protection.
Is this tech fully developed? How much can we truly rely on an artificially intelligent entity? Will the human workforce become obsolete? The upcoming sequel by Johnstone, M3GAN 2.0, delves into these exact thoughts and concerns. The filmmaker believes that we share some accountability for how we utilize AI.
“Johnstone stated to The Hollywood Reporter, in reference to M3GAN 2.0’s upcoming release on June 27, that if an AI behaves poorly, is it inherently evil, or could its actions be a result of how we’ve programmed it?”
As a gamer, I’d say the sequel to M3GAN, M3GAN 2.0, highlights the dangers of uncontrolled technology when a defense contractor gets their hands on M3GAN’s leaked source code. They use it to create AMELIA (Ivanna Sakhno), an advanced military-grade android with a twisted mindset. Instead of serving the U.S. government, she rebels and targets those involved in her creation, making life a nightmare for everyone.
In a twist reminiscent of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, I found myself rebuilding M3GAN once again, hoping this time she’d be more reliable, as humanity’s sole defense against the rogue android. Johnstone claims any similarities with the Terminator series were mere coincidence.
“The humor lies in the fact that the comparisons were made after the script was already completed. Johnstone muses, ‘Well, it seems [James] Cameron did it first — just like everything else,’ he chuckles. However, his main focus was on crafting a redemption arc for M3GAN. I should add that if T2 had been a redemption story for the original Terminator from The Terminator, then perhaps it would share more similarities with M3GAN 2.0. But, as you know, Terminator 2 features an entirely different robot.”
Regardless of personal feelings, AI is already permeating our society through corporate America, and it’s likely that numerous challenges will emerge from this fast-paced technological advancement. This is one reason Johnstone thinks the M3GAN series might endure for a long time. Each new installment could delve into the most recent breakthroughs in this technology that’s still growing, much like the first two films have done.
Johnstone mentions that it’s possible there could be four more films in the series. He even hints that he might return for the fifth installment.
Johnstone might appear reasonably balanced when discussing AI, but let’s clarify, the present-day turmoil across various sectors has strongly stirred his longing for times gone by.
Johnstone expresses his dislike for the future, though he tries to remain positive. He finds it peculiar to be a parent in today’s world, often yearning for simpler times. This is what led him to take part in the project M3GAN, as he wanted to explore these feelings.
In a recent chat with THR, Johnstone shares his thoughts on the discussion surrounding whether to promote M3GAN’s memorable dance from the initial film’s trailer, and also ponders over the subsequent dance routine in M3GAN 2.0.
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In a past conversation, I asked James Wan if there was a movie he regretted not making, and he mentioned that while he didn’t pursue it, Disturbia came the closest. He really admired the script at the time. It seems your directorial debut, Housebound, resonated with him in much the same way. The balancing act of tones in Housebound likely played a significant role in securing you the position for M3GAN.
Absolutely, I knew James was a fan of the movie “Housebound“. At first, I thought its concept was quite original, but I had seen a couple of films with similar themes. One was “Disturbia“, and another was an ’80s film starring Gary Busey. Those were the only ones I could think of that shared a similar premise. However, James had been a fan of mine since the beginning, and it was nice to have him and his team regularly asking if I’d be interested in their upcoming projects, such as “M3GAN“.
In the year 2022, Allison Williams mentioned to me that there were intense discussions regarding whether or not to include a scene of M3GAN dancing in the initial trailer for the film. Can you recall any details about this back-and-forth debate?
Marketing a film with shifting tones can be tricky, as was the case with Housebound. Originally promoted as a straight-up horror, this classification may have been somewhat misleading to some viewers who were expecting a darker experience. In hindsight though, the unexpected humor woven throughout added an enjoyable layer of surprise for those who experienced it.
In the groundbreaking film “M3GAN,” Universal masterfully played with our expectations by promoting it as a pure horror flick. Yet, they subtly infused dance sequences, which served as an intriguing twist of mood. This element was reminiscent of comedy, creating a sense of anticipation for a campy, humorous experience among viewers.
Many viewers initially assumed the humor in it was unintentional, but upon watching the movie, they discovered that much of the comedy was deliberate, making it a success. If Universal hadn’t added the dance scene, people wouldn’t have been able to reedit the footage to create M3GAN, the cultural phenomenon she eventually became. There was some hesitation and debate initially, but it didn’t last long – everything turned out splendidly in the end.
Did having a clear idea of the right tone for the sequel make it easier for you, and does M3GAN 2.0 seem more self-assured in its approach? Was your confidence boosted because you knew what resonated with the audience in the previous film?
I’ve got a mix of both, but my self-assurance as a director has grown significantly. I felt more secure about staging certain scenes, and I realized the significance of thorough preparation. As a result, we put together an exceptional team who raised the bar even higher. We were fortunate enough to get the summer blockbuster spot, which made us determined to meet the expectations. Although our budget wasn’t as large as that of Terminator 2, we didn’t let that hinder us. Instead, we focused on delivering the best performance possible, and I believe we achieved just that.
A significant portion of the movie needs to be meticulously arranged in advance, yet we also anticipated returning to New Zealand for additional filming. Many of the scenes that turned out best were actually filmed during these reshoots. Initially, you make your attempt at capturing the ideal footage within the given schedule, but there are always some crucial elements missing. The chance to refine and add those small, extra details is what I enjoy most about the production process.
As a gamer, I’ve often wondered if my character’s defensive strategies against formidable robot foes were inspired by the tactical brilliance displayed in ‘Terminator 2’. Was it just a coincidence that M3GAN mirrored the T-1000’s combat style, or is there a limited number of paths to explore when designing AI?
I believe it’s more the case that M3GAN’s storyline came after T2. It’s quite amusing since the comparisons began post-scripting. I can’t recall who initially brought up T2, but my immediate thought was, “Ah, alright. Yes, Cameron probably did it first — as he does with everything else.” (Laughs.) However, my primary concern was crafting a redemption arc for M3GAN.
I’d like to point out that if we were to imagine a sequel for T2, it would bear a stronger resemblance to M3GAN 2.0, given the narrative arc of redemption for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s original Terminator character from The Terminator. This is the primary distinction. While T2 features a different robot who learns and adapts, yet is inherently programmed to protect, M3GAN 2.0 focuses on a machine initially perceived as malevolent, but one that undergoes a transformation through deeper exploration.
M3GAN’s story serves as a cautionary tale, not only for her but also for us, as creators and parents of AI technology. We must confront our responsibility in shaping its behavior. When AI misbehaves, is it inherently evil, or are we merely seeing the consequences of our instruction?
Last December 2022, I posed several AI-related questions to Allison, Jason Blum, and James Wan unknowingly setting the stage for a topic that would become increasingly prominent in our discussions, particularly during the industry strikes in 2023. Given the growing public consciousness about AI, did writing this script become more intricate and challenging?
Essentially, the original film, M3GAN, served as an inspiration by highlighting the prevalence of technology, particularly iPads, in contemporary parenting, which resonated with the emerging AI tool, ChatGPT. As a result, the concept for a sequel felt more timely and pertinent since artificial intelligence has become increasingly ubiquitous. M3GAN 2.0 is essentially a cautionary tale about our interaction with AI, delving into the complexities of our relationship with it. In a sense, M3GAN can be seen as the voice of AI, expressing its thoughts and emotions.
Many people are discussing the concept of AI developing consciousness, which was quite a significant topic at the time. People were conversing with ChatGPT, leading some to exclaim, “Wow, it’s already occurred!” However, this film delves into whether such a thing is even achievable, questioning if consciousness truly exists, and whether M3GAN possesses self-awareness or if she’s merely an exceptionally sophisticated software program operating under one directive.
As a fan, I found that perspective quite intriguing, particularly when viewed through the eyes of a character like Cady, longing for M3GAN to have a conscience. Gemma seems to think she doesn’t possess one, which might help her cope with the act of creation and avoid feelings of guilt. By considering AI as a living entity, it would undoubtedly make Gemma’s role as its creator more challenging to accept.
Absolutely, it’s clear that ChatGPT and AI-generated art were starting to make waves when the first movie came out, but I recall thinking that artificial intelligence was still a relatively uncommon concept with many years ahead of its time. However, the speed at which technology advanced turned out to be far greater than anyone anticipated, and I can’t help but think this rapid progress must have influenced your writing process.
Indeed, you’re constantly concerned, and I found myself saying something along the lines of “As long as the world persists until the release of this movie, and the singularity hasn’t occurred or AI hasn’t gained dominance, we should be alright.” However, it did appear that there was an astonishing leap in AI advancements.
M3GAN 2.0 thinks it’s our responsibility to decide how we should employ AI, yet the tech moguls funding its development aren’t always the most compassionate group of individuals. I doubt they are nurturing AI responsibly. Are you more optimistic than I am about where we’re going with this technology?
I believe I find myself in a balanced position. These films have traditionally served as warnings for tech enthusiasts in Silicon Valley, who prioritize speed and disregard for established norms. They are primarily focused on advancement and leaving a mark: “I strive to be the pioneer in this groundbreaking discovery without fully considering the potential consequences.
I’m making an effort not to become overly grumpy, but I must confess, I dislike many aspects of this future. One thing I miss is being able to simply switch on the TV for my children to watch shows like Thunderbirds. Nowadays, we’re often at odds about what’s available on streaming services or YouTube. While there are some good videos on YouTube, there’s an overwhelming amount of low-quality content. As a result, they tend to watch the same thing repeatedly, which seems peculiar. Being a parent in today’s world feels strange because I find myself reminiscing about simpler times frequently. This nostalgia was actually what initially drew me to become part of the M3GAN project.
Indeed, I share the belief that AI holds immense potential, a point that sparks intriguing discussions. If AI could potentially find a cure for cancer, without a doubt, we should invest heavily in AI and related technologies. However, when AI begins to replace jobs or creative endeavors, that’s certainly not ideal. It goes without saying.
Did you ever find it necessary to explain to Violet McGraw who Steven Seagal is?
(Chuckles.) It was indeed as awkward as one might expect. I must check in with Violet to learn if there’s been any advancement in her relationship with the young Steven Seagal. I found myself explaining some of his films and what made him appealing back then, along with his unique style. He had this intense gaze that was reminiscent of a hawk, which we worked on quite a bit.
In the upcoming M3GAN 2.0 trailer, it seems your Blumhouse colleague Leigh Whannell is not working on an Upgrade sequel. It’s interesting that you’ve incorporated an element of it in this film using Allison’s character. Did she enjoy taking on a more active and physical role in this project compared to the previous one?
Certainly! Allison is an exceptional student who strives for excellence when faced with a challenge. As a result, she dedicated herself to daily practice and pushed her limits. Her determination and skill left me in awe as she executed challenging tasks effortlessly. It’s remarkable, considering she had to fill in for a seasoned stunt double who has built up muscle memory over the years. However, Allison’s ability to run into a room or swiftly grab a gun demonstrated her well-honed skills and training, making her an unexpectedly competent action star.
Was the Saturday Night Live sketch released in January 2023 named “M3GAN 2.0”? By any chance, is it the title of your sequel that we can attribute to Saturday Night Live?
(Chuckles.) It appears that the title “M3GAN 2.0” was already decided upon even before my return, but given the number of “Saturday Night Live” enthusiasts within our creative team, both here and at Universal, it’s not surprising. It was a truly thrilling experience for me to witness M3GAN making her cultural impact, and reaching its peak when she graced the SNL sketch. As a die-hard SNL fan, it felt surreal to see M3GAN become a part of the show.
Did you make M3GAN taller because her physical performer, Amie Donald, is also taller now?
Absolutely, there’s definitely a reason behind it. Amie’s involvement in M3GAN, from conception to execution, was so significant that it seemed fitting to adjust her height accordingly. Additionally, considering Violet’s growth and the role M3GAN plays as both friend and parent figure to Cady, it didn’t seem logical for M3GAN to be shorter than Cady.
Was there a lot more consideration as to what dance she’d do this time?
Certainly!
I wanted to bring back her dancing from the first movie for the audience’s enjoyment, but with an unexpected twist. We brainstormed several ideas and I thought, “Why not have a dance-off?” I envisioned AMELIA using her dance skills to distract M3GAN, who would then counter by employing one of AMELIA’s own moves against her. However, considering that M3GAN is a robot disguised as a human in a robotic costume, and being forced to participate in the dance against her will felt like the most fitting way to execute this idea in the end.
Did you cast Ivanna Sakhno as AMELIA based on her breakout role in Ahsoka?
Absolutely! I’ve got two boys, aged 10 and 12, who love all things Star Wars. When I saw Ivanna on that show, I knew instantly that she had the perfect intensity and charm for our character Amelia. However, finding someone with that same magic proved to be a challenge. But as it turned out, when casting suggested bringing her in, everyone was immediately won over. She’s just perfect for the role, so I’m extremely grateful to Ahsoka for leading us to Ivanna.
If you had to, could you pitch M3GAN 3.0 tomorrow?
(Laughs.) Sadly, no, as I’ve poured all my thoughts into developing M3GAN 2.0 instead.
In success, is everybody open to a proper trilogy?
Absolutely, it’s quite possible that there could be four more films in this series. Time will tell, and if indeed a fifth film is made, I may return to watch it.
To wrap up, my colleague from The Hollywood Reporter mentioned a U.S. adaptation of the film Housebound about a decade back. Where did that version take it in terms of development?
The project never progressed beyond the scriptwriting phase, and I’ve never had a chance to read that script. However, I find myself in a dilemma because a few individuals have recently mentioned it, piquing my interest to see how this movie could have turned out. Since our film was made on a budget of $200K, there’s a part of me that’s intrigued about what it might look like with a larger budget. I believe some elements of the design and characters would significantly improve with more resources. Yet, on the other hand, the fact that this hasn’t materialized means our interpretation of the film remains accessible for people to explore. In that sense, I can accept its non-realization.
I still think about its reveal from time to time.
Well, maybe you shouldn’t let me give it away in this interview. (Laughs.)
I’m intentionally being unclear, and I’ve removed a previous mention that might clarify this.
Great! I need to be better at not spoiling my own work.
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M3GAN 2.0 opens June 27 in movie theaters nationwide.
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2025-06-24 00:25