M3GAN

{{Infobox film

| image = M3GAN Poster.jpeg

| caption = Theatrical release poster

| director = Gerard Johnstone

| screenplay = Akela Cooper

| story = {{Plainlist|

Akela Cooper
James Wan

}}

| producer = {{Plainlist|

Jason Blum
James Wan

}}

| starring = {{Plainlist|

}}

| cinematography = Peter McCaffrey

| editing = Jeff McEvoy

| music = Anthony Willis

| production_companies = {{Plainlist|

Blumhouse Productions{{cite web |title=M3GAN (2022) - Movie |url=https://www.moviefone.com/movie/m3gan/EHoHneTp3nydUSOSsXuuw/main/ |website=Moviefone |access-date=30 May 2025}}
Atomic Monster
Divide/Conquer

}}

| distributor = Universal Pictures

| released = {{Film date|2022|12|7|Los Angeles|2023|1|6|United States}}

| runtime = 102 minutes{{Cite web |title=M3gan (15) |url=https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/m3gan-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmda5nti1 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107194223/https://www.bbfc.co.uk/release/m3gan-q29sbgvjdglvbjpwwc0xmda5nti1 |archive-date=January 7, 2023 |access-date=December 29, 2022 |website=BBFC}}

| country = United States

| language = English

| budget = $12 million

| gross = $181.8 million{{Cite The Numbers |id=M3GAN |title=M3GAN (2022) |access-date=July 26, 2023}}{{Cite Box Office Mojo |title=M3GAN (2022) |id=8760708 |access-date=July 26, 2023}}

}}

M3GAN (pronounced "Megan") is a 2022 American science fiction horror film directed by Gerard Johnstone from a screenplay by Akela Cooper, based on a story by Cooper and James Wan. Allison Williams and Violet McGraw star, Amie Donald physically portrays M3GAN, and Jenna Davis voices the character. The plot follows an artificially intelligent doll who develops self-awareness and becomes hostile toward anyone who comes between her and her human companion.

M3GAN premiered in Los Angeles on December 7, 2022, and Universal Pictures theatrically released it in the United States on January 6, 2023. The film grossed over $181 million worldwide against a budget of $12 million and received positive reviews from critics, who praised its campy blend of horror and humor. A sequel, M3GAN 2.0, and a spin-off, SOULM8TE, are set to follow in 2025 and 2026, respectively.

Plot

After her parents are killed in a car accident, eight-year-old Cady is sent to live with her aunt Gemma, a roboticist at the high-tech Seattle toy company, Funki. Gemma is covertly using the company's resources to develop M3GAN (Model 3 Generative Android), a child-sized humanoid robot doll powered by artificial intelligence, designed to be the ultimate companion for children. During an unsuccessful test of M3GAN in their lab, Gemma's boss, David, discovers the project and orders her to discontinue work on it. Gemma and Cady struggle to connect until Cady comes across Bruce, a motion capture robot that Gemma had created at college. Watching Cady with Bruce, Gemma is motivated to complete M3GAN.

When the prototype M3GAN is formally paired with Cady, David is convinced of the project's potential success. M3GAN exceeds expectations and begins to take on a parental role. Gemma's colleagues, Tess and Cole, and Cady's therapist, Lydia, become increasingly concerned about Cady developing an unhealthy emotional attachment to M3GAN. M3GAN starts operating more independently and targets anything that she deems a threat to Cady: she kills Dewey, the dog of Gemma's cantankerous neighbor Celia, after it attacks both her and Cady in the front yard. Sometime later, M3GAN attacks Brandon, a boy bullying Cady, by ripping off his ear and chasing him until he falls down a hill onto a road, where he is fatally run over by a passing car.

After Celia harasses Gemma and Cady for Dewey's disappearance, M3GAN confronts her the following night and shoots her with a nail gun before fatally spraying her with insecticide. Gemma becomes suspicious of M3GAN and attempts to check her video logs, only to find the files corrupted or deleted. Gemma powers M3GAN off and brings her to the lab, where she, Tess, and Cole attempt to fix her. Cady becomes distraught when separated from M3GAN and slaps Gemma. Gemma apologizes for her inattentiveness and explains to Cady that M3GAN is only a distraction from her loss, not a solution to help her cope.

After watching M3GAN with Cady, Funki's investors greenlight M3GAN's release. Recognizing the risk she poses, Gemma, Tess, and Cole decide to terminate M3GAN. Tess and Cole attempt to shut M3GAN down while Gemma takes Cady home. However, M3GAN activates herself and nearly hangs Cole. While Tess saves Cole, M3GAN causes an explosion in their lab, knocking them out. Before exiting the building, M3GAN kills David and his assistant Kurt in an elevator, staging it as a murder–suicide. She steals a car and drives back to Gemma's house.

M3GAN confronts Gemma, adamant about taking over as Cady's sole caretaker. Gemma attempts to stop M3GAN, damaging and disfiguring her, but M3GAN ultimately overpowers her. Cady saves Gemma, using Bruce to tear M3GAN in half, but M3GAN's top half remains active and attacks Cady. Gemma exposes a processing chip in M3GAN's head, which Cady stabs with a screwdriver, apparently deactivating M3GAN. The authorities arrive with Tess and Cole. However, as Gemma and Cady exit the home, a camera turns on and looks towards them.

Cast

{{Multiple image|perrow=2|total_width=300

| image1 = Amie Donald Photo Op Nightmare Weekend Richmond 2024 (cropped).jpg

| image2 = Jenna Davis in 2023.jpg

| footer = Amie Donald (left) plays M3GAN and Jenna Davis (right) voices M3GAN.

}}

{{Cast listing|

Allison Williams as Gemma
Violet McGraw as Cady
Ronny Chieng as David
Amie Donald as M3GAN (Model 3 generative android)
Jenna Davis as the voice of M3GAN
Brian Jordan Alvarez as Cole
Jen Van Epps as Tess
Stephane Garneau-Monten as Kurt
Lori Dungey as Celia
Amy Usherwood as Lydia
Jack Cassidy as Brandon
Michael Saccente as Greg
Samson Chan-Boon as Officer Carter
Kira Josephson as Ava
Renee Lyons as Holly
Arlo Green as Ryan

}}

Production

=Development and writing=

{{Multiple image|perrow=2|total_width=300

| image1 = Jason Blum by Gage Skidmore.jpg

| image2 = James Wan by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg

| footer = Producers Jason Blum (left) and James Wan (right)

}}

The idea of the film began when Wan's Atomic Monster production company was brainstorming story ideas and chose one about a killer doll. Although Wan's 2014 film Annabelle is about a killer doll, he said, "Pretty much the concept is about embracing technology too much and relying too much on it. And what happens when technology runs amok. It's a commentary on the world we live in and it feels relevant". Blum stated that the film would have black comedy elements which is one reason Johnstone was chosen to direct, saying "We needed someone who can do the thrills and set pieces, but who also has a cheeky approach". Wan admired Johnstone's film Housebound because of his ability to balance the horror and comedy elements by creating a tone that is both frightening and humorous, and this sensibility was essential for M3GAN.

In July 2018, The Hollywood Reporter announced that production was underway for a "techno horror-thriller" titled M3GAN to be produced by James Wan and Jason Blum. Gerard Johnstone was confirmed to direct while Akela Cooper wrote the screenplay and story with Wan. Shooting was scheduled to begin in late 2018.{{Cite web |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=July 18, 2018 |title=Jason Blum, James Wan Team for Horror-Thriller 'M3GAN' (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jason-blum-james-wan-team-horror-film-m3gan-1128040/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102154058/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jason-blum-james-wan-team-horror-film-m3gan-1128040/ |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}}

=Casting=

In October 2020, Allison Williams was cast in the leading role,{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=October 7, 2020 |title=Allison Williams Reteams With 'Get Out' Producer Blumhouse For 'M3GAN' |url=https://deadline.com/2020/10/allison-williams-star-blumhouse-m3gan-get-out-reteam-1234592741/ |access-date=October 7, 2020 |website=Deadline Hollywood }} followed by Violet McGraw in April 2021,{{Cite web |last=N'Duka |first=Amanda |date=April 9, 2021 |title='Black Widow' Actress Violet McGraw Joins Allison Williams In Blumhouse & Atomic Monster Thriller 'M3GAN' |url=https://deadline.com/2021/04/violet-mcgraw-allison-williams-blumhouse-atomic-monster-m3gan-1234731017/ |access-date=April 9, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood }} and Ronny Chieng the following month.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=May 25, 2021 |title=Blumhouse & Atomic Monster's 'M3GAN' Adds Ronny Chieng |url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/blumhouse-atomic-monsters-m3gan-adds-ronny-chieng-1234763730/ |access-date=May 25, 2021 |website=Deadline Hollywood }}

=Filming=

On a budget of $12 million,{{Cite web |last=Rubin |first=Rebecca |date=January 4, 2023 |title=Box Office: 'M3gan'Aims for Impressive $20 Million Debut, but 'Avatar 2' Will Rule Again |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/box-office-megan-movie-opening-estimate-avatar-2-1235478121/ |access-date=January 4, 2023 |website=Variety |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104160555/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/box-office-megan-movie-opening-estimate-avatar-2-1235478121/ |url-status=live}} principal photography began in June 2021 and took place in Los Angeles, California, and Auckland, New Zealand.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 8, 2023 |title=How 'M3GAN' Boogied Her Way To The Box Office Via TikTok; Sequel Already In Works |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/m3gan-box-office-sequel-tiktok-marketing-1235214229/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108230331/https://deadline.com/2023/01/m3gan-box-office-sequel-tiktok-marketing-1235214229/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |date=June 2021 |title=M3gan – Production List | Film & Television Industry Alliance |url=https://productionlist.com/production/m3gan/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210164115/https://productionlist.com/production/m3gan/ |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=July 21, 2021 |website=productionlist.com}} The suburbs of Auckland were utilized to lend the film a "Denver, Colorado, type feel".{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Chris |date=September 16, 2019 |title=Exclusive: Blumhouse to film MEG3N in New Zealand |url=https://www.kftv.com/news/2019/09/16/exclusive-blumhouse-to-film-meg3n-in-new-zealand |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221210164246/https://www.kftv.com/news/2019/09/16/exclusive-blumhouse-to-film-meg3n-in-new-zealand |archive-date=December 10, 2022 |access-date=December 10, 2022 |website=KFTV.com}} Filming was completed by mid-August right before a COVID-19 lockdown occurred in New Zealand.{{Cite web |last=Frater |first=Patrick |date=August 17, 2021 |title=New Zealand Returns to Full Lockdown After Discovery of Local COVID Case |url=https://variety.com/2021/film/asia/new-zealand-lockdown-covid-1235042794/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102161640/https://variety.com/2021/film/asia/new-zealand-lockdown-covid-1235042794/ |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=Variety}} The film underwent reshoots in post-production in order to secure a PG-13 rating from the Motion Picture Association, after the original cut was deemed too violent.{{Cite web |last=Romanchick |first=Shane |date=January 2, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Required Reshoots for that PG-13 Rating |url=https://collider.com/m3gan-reshoots-pg-13-rating/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Collider |archive-date=January 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230103070355/https://collider.com/m3gan-reshoots-pg-13-rating/ |url-status=live}}

=Visual effects=

Adrien Morot and Kathy Tse of Morot FX Studio created an animatronic puppet version of M3GAN that was used for dialogue and close-ups. There was also a second animatronic used for certain scenes, as well as a possible stunt version of M3GAN that was not puppeteered. The animatronic M3GAN was puppeteered via a variety of techniques, which included radio-controlled facial expressions performed by Morot and Tse in tandem, automated lip-sync for the dialogue (temp guide tracks were provided during filming by New Zealand actress Kimberley Crossman) and a puppeteer physically moving M3GAN's head and body.{{Cite web |last=Stephan |first=Katcy |date=January 9, 2023 |title=Building M3GAN: How Animatronics, Puppetry, VFX and a Child Actor Created a New Doll Icon That Slays |url=https://variety.com/2023/artisans/news/megan-real-actor-vfx-created-killer-doll-1235482761/ |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Variety |archive-date=January 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230113193415/https://variety.com/2023/artisans/news/megan-real-actor-vfx-created-killer-doll-1235482761/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Yamato |first=Jim |date=January 7, 2023 |title=Puppets, fake tears, an 11-year-old dance phenom: How 'M3GAN' came to life |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-01-07/m3gan-movie-horror-puppet-animatronics-dance-amie-donald |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Los Angeles Times |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114075202/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2023-01-07/m3gan-movie-horror-puppet-animatronics-dance-amie-donald |url-status=live}}

Amie Donald performed M3GAN's scenes that called for physical movement the puppet could not do, and also performed her own stunts. Donald received movement coaching from Jed Brophy and Luke Hawker in portraying M3GAN's agility.{{Cite web |date=October 11, 2023 |title=Kiwi dancer's moves go viral in new horror movie trailer |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/viral-trailer-for-new-horror-film-m3gan-reveals-kiwi-connection/6ICA7QY2HCNAW5S2PXW5AXSP54/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102163203/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/viral-trailer-for-new-horror-film-m3gan-reveals-kiwi-connection/6ICA7QY2HCNAW5S2PXW5AXSP54/ |archive-date=January 2, 2023 |access-date=January 2, 2023 |website=The New Zealand Herald}} On set Donald wore a static silicone M3GAN mask created by Morot FX and this was later replaced by a CGI version of M3GAN's face to match that of the animatronic.

In post-production, Donald's physical performance as M3GAN was enhanced by digital visual effects by the New Zealand–based visual effects studio Wētā Workshop.{{Cite web |last=Rooney |first=David |date=January 4, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Review: Allison Williams Tangles With a Rogue Robot in Fun AI Horror That's Equal Parts Campy and Creepy |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/m3gan-allison-williams-killer-doll-horror-1235290558/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104234933/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-reviews/m3gan-allison-williams-killer-doll-horror-1235290558/ |url-status=live}} Speaking about the design of M3GAN, Johnstone stated that he "looked to screen icons from the '50s like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Kim Novak for inspiration. But I wanted some '70s naturalism to counteract her synthetic nature, so the hair is one hundred percent Peggy Lipton."{{Cite magazine |last=Stern |first=Marlow |date=January 2, 2023 |title=Exclusive Clip: See M3GAN Show Allison Williams Who's Boss |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/m3gan-exclusive-clip-allison-williams-attacked-killer-robot-1234655066/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |magazine=Rolling Stone |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105202929/https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-features/m3gan-exclusive-clip-allison-williams-attacked-killer-robot-1234655066/ |url-status=live}}

=Music=

{{Main|M3GAN (soundtrack){{!}}M3GAN (soundtrack)}}

Release

M3GAN had its world premiere in Los Angeles on December 7, 2022,{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Chris |date=December 8, 2022 |title='M3GAN' Premiere Featured Eight Look-Alike Dolls Dancing to Taylor Swift Song in Now-Viral Moment |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/m3gan-film-allison-williams-blumhouse-horror-robotic-doll-1235278317/ |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=December 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209011500/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/m3gan-film-allison-williams-blumhouse-horror-robotic-doll-1235278317/ |url-status=live}} and was released theatrically in the United States on January 6, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Mendelson |first=Scott |date=October 19, 2022 |title=Universal Shifts 'M3GAN' Up To First Week In 2023 |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2022/10/19/m3gan-opening-early-2023-james-wan-jason-blum-universal-movies/?sh=7b1145cb69d6 |access-date=October 19, 2022 |website=Forbes |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019222345/https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2022/10/19/m3gan-opening-early-2023-james-wan-jason-blum-universal-movies/?sh=7b1145cb69d6 |url-status=live}} It was originally scheduled to be released on January 13, 2023, before being moved up a week in order to avoid competition with House Party and the wide expansion of A Man Called Otto, which were also scheduled for January 13.{{Cite magazine |last=McClintock |first=Pamela |date=January 19, 2022 |title=Allison Williams Thriller M3GAN Sets January 2023 Release in Theaters |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/allison-williams-m3gan-release-date-1235077459/ |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=January 22, 2022 |archive-date=March 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323091950/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/allison-williams-m3gan-release-date-1235077459/ |url-status=live}}

=Marketing=

The teaser poster for the film was unveiled at the 2022 CinemaCon. The first trailer was released on October 11, 2022, set to Taylor Swift's "It's Nice to Have a Friend". After its premiere, a scene of M3GAN dancing became an Internet meme{{cite news |last1=Youngs |first1=Ian |title=M3GAN: Horror robot doll turns meme fame into box office success |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-64208667 |access-date=November 10, 2024 |publisher=BBC |date=January 9, 2023}}{{cite magazine |last1=Watercutter |first1=Angela |title=The M3GAN Dance Meme: Vicious Dolls Could Dominate 2023 |url=https://www.wired.com/story/m3gan-meme-twitter-tiktok-beyonce-megan-thee-stallion/ |magazine=Wired |access-date=November 10, 2024 |date=October 21, 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Ryan |first=Patrick |date=January 6, 2023 |title=All the best M3GAN memes, from Annabelle to Taylor Swift |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2023/01/06/megan-movie-memes-viral-dance-annabelle/10995795002/ |access-date=November 10, 2024 |website=USA Today}} and gained widespread attention on social media platforms like TikTok (under the hashtag #M3gandance). The viral moment helped to build buzz for the film's release.{{Cite web |last=Grebey |first=James |date=January 5, 2023 |title=The story behind M3GAN's iconic TikTok dance sequence |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/m3gan-tiktok-dance-sequence-explained |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Syfy |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108173411/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/m3gan-tiktok-dance-sequence-explained |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 8, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Slays With $30M+ Opening; 'Avatar: The Way Of Water' Hits Half Billion Faster Than 'Top Gun 2', 'Rogue One' – Sunday AM Box Office Update |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-m3gan-avatar-the-way-of-water-1235212918/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108015724/https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-m3gan-avatar-the-way-of-water-1235212918/ |url-status=live}} The second and final trailer was released on December 7, 2022, set to Bella Poarch's "Dolls". In the final film, M3GAN dances to "Walk the Night" by Skatt Brothers.{{Cite web |last=Daly |first=Rhian |date=January 12, 2023 |title=The Skatt Bros' 'Walk The Night' Soundtracks Hit New Horror Movie 'M3GAN' |url=https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/the-skatt-bros-walk-the-night-soundtracks-horror-movie-m3gan/ |access-date=January 16, 2023 |website=UDiscoverMusic |publisher=Universal Music Group |archive-date=January 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230116080018/https://www.udiscovermusic.com/news/the-skatt-bros-walk-the-night-soundtracks-horror-movie-m3gan/ |url-status=live}} On January 8, 2023, Williams revealed that she and the marketing team at Universal had debated whether to include the scene in the trailer or save it for when audiences saw the film in theaters. She told The Hollywood Reporter, "When we saw the first cut of the trailer, we were all hemming and hawing about whether or not to let the dance be out in the trailer or try to keep it as a surprise in the movie ... And boy, the forces of marketing at Universal were right to keep it in the trailer, because it just helped, honestly."{{Cite web |last=Davids |first=Brian |date=January 6, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Star Allison Williams Talks Her Blumhouse Good Fortune and the Internal Debate Over M3GAN's Viral Dance |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/m3gan-star-allison-williams-talks-her-blumhouse-good-fortune-and-the-internal-debate-over-m3gans-viral-dance-1235292567/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-date=January 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107202320/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/m3gan-star-allison-williams-talks-her-blumhouse-good-fortune-and-the-internal-debate-over-m3gans-viral-dance-1235292567/ |url-status=live}}

=Home media=

M3GAN premiered on the streaming service Peacock on February 24, 2023.{{Cite web |url=https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/m3gan |title=Watch M3GAN (2022) Streaming Online | Peacock |website=@peacocktv |access-date=February 24, 2023 |publisher=Peacock |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224212748/https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-movies/m3gan |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://decider.com/2023/02/24/m3gan-movie-unrated-streaming-peacock-where-to-watch/ |title=The Unrated Version of 'M3gan' Is Now Streaming on Peacock |work=Decider |first=Josh |last=Sorokach |date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-date=February 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230224212745/https://decider.com/2023/02/24/m3gan-movie-unrated-streaming-peacock-where-to-watch/ |url-status=live}} The DVD and Blu-ray were released on March 21, 2023, with all formats receiving an unrated version.{{Cite web |last=Weiss |first=Josh |date=February 17, 2023 |title='M3GAN' is getting an unrated version as horror hit sets Blu-Ray, digital release - what you need to know |url=https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/m3gan-unrated-version-confirmed-for-home-release |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=SyFy |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217205548/https://www.syfy.com/syfy-wire/m3gan-unrated-version-confirmed-for-home-release |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |date=February 17, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Sets Peacock Premiere Date |url=https://deadline.com/2023/02/m3gan-peacock-streaming-premiere-date-1235263474/ |access-date=February 17, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=February 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217205547/https://deadline.com/2023/02/m3gan-peacock-streaming-premiere-date-1235263474/ |url-status=live}}

Reception

=Box office=

M3GAN grossed $95.2 million in the United States and Canada, and $86.6 million in other territories, for a worldwide gross of $181.8 million.{{Cite Box Office Mojo |title=M3GAN (2022) |id=8760708 |access-date=July 26, 2023}} Deadline Hollywood calculated the net profit of the film to be $78.8{{nbsp}}million, when factoring together all expenses and revenues.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=Small Movies, Big Profits: An Oscar Winner And Horror Hits Among Overachievers In Deadline's 2022 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament |url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/most-profitable-movies-2022-highest-return-1235324425/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=April 13, 2023 |access-date=April 13, 2023 |archive-date=April 13, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413214318/https://deadline.com/2023/04/most-profitable-movies-2022-highest-return-1235324425/ |url-status=live}}

In the United States and Canada, M3GAN was initially projected to gross $17–20 million from 3,509 theaters in its opening weekend.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 6, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Makes $2.75M In Thursday Previews – Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-m3gan-avatar-the-way-of-water-1235212918/ |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106153441/https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-m3gan-avatar-the-way-of-water-1235212918/ |url-status=live}} After making $11.7 million on its first day (including $2.75 million from Thursday night previews), estimates were increased to $27.5 million.{{Cite web |last=Moreau |first=Jordan |date=January 6, 2023 |title=Box Office: 'M3GAN' Earns $2.75 Million in Previews |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/news/megan-movie-box-office-previews-1235480202/ |access-date=January 6, 2023 |website=Variety |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106152936/https://variety.com/2023/film/news/megan-movie-box-office-previews-1235480202/ |url-status=live}} It went on to debut to $30.4 million, finishing in second place at the box office behind holdover Avatar: The Way of Water.{{Cite web |last=Sam Mendelsohn |date=January 12, 2023 |title='Avatar: The Way of Water' To Rule MLK Weekend; 'Plane' & 'House Party' Open While Hanks' 'A Man Called Otto' Expands |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4134667268/ |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-date=January 12, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230112213848/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/article/ed4134667268/ |url-status=live}} The film made $18.3 million in its second weekend, remaining in second.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 13, 2023 |title='Avatar 2' Rules With $35M 4-day, 'M3GAN' Moves $20M+, 'Man Called Otto' A Bright Spot For Adult Pics – MLK Weekend Box Office |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-plane-gerard-butler-the-avatar-way-of-water-m3gan-1235221135/ |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114041308/https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-plane-gerard-butler-the-avatar-way-of-water-m3gan-1235221135/ |url-status=live}} In its third and fourth weekends the film made $9.7 million and $6.4 million, finishing in third and fourth place, respectively.{{cite web |title=Domestic 2023 Weekend 3 |url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2023W03/?ref_=bo_wey_table_1 |website=Box Office Mojo |access-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123222530/https://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/2023W03/?ref_=bo_wey_table_1 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title='Avatar 2' Now No. 11 Among Top-Grossing US Pics Of All-Time, Bests 'Star Wars: The Last Jedi' – Box Office Sunday |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-avatar-the-way-of-water-infinity-pool-cronenberg-1235243380/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=January 29, 2023 |access-date=January 29, 2023 |archive-date=January 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230128224534/https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-avatar-the-way-of-water-infinity-pool-cronenberg-1235243380/ |url-status=live}}

=Critical response=

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 93% based on 315 reviews and an average rating of 7.2/10. The website's critical consensus reads: "Unapologetically silly and all the more entertaining for it, M3GAN is the rare horror-comedy that delivers chuckles as effortlessly as chills".{{Cite web |title=M3GAN (2022) |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/m3gan |access-date=August 24, 2023 |website=Rotten Tomatoes}} On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 72 out of 100 based on 54 critics, indicating "generally favorable reviews".{{Cite web |title=M3GAN (2022) Reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/m3gan |access-date=July 26, 2023 |website=Metacritic |archive-date=January 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123154230/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/m3gan |url-status=live}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B" on an A+ to F scale, while those polled at PostTrak gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 8, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Slays With $30M+ Opening; 'Avatar: The Way Of Water' Hits Half Billion Faster Than 'Top Gun 2', 'Rogue One – Sunday AM Box Office Update |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-m3gan-avatar-the-way-of-water-1235212918/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108015724/https://deadline.com/2023/01/box-office-m3gan-avatar-the-way-of-water-1235212918/ |url-status=live}}

File:Allison_Williams,_2015.png received praise for playing Gemma.]]

Variety{{'}}s Owen Gleiberman called M3GAN "a diverting genre film, one that possesses a healthy sense of its own absurdity", and wrote that the film satirizes "all of us — or, at least, those who now think of the mirror offered by artificial intelligence as an actual form of interaction."{{Cite web |last=Gleiberman |first=Owen |author-link=Owen Gleiberman |date=January 4, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Review: A Robot-Doll Sci-Fi Horror Movie That's Creepy, Preposterous and Diverting |url=https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/m3gan-review-james-wan-1235478074/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Variety |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105181121/https://variety.com/2023/film/reviews/m3gan-review-james-wan-1235478074/ |url-status=live}} David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter commended the physical and voice performances of Donald and Davis, respectively, as well as the visual effects work used to depict M3GAN; Rooney wrote that the film's "shocks and scares and even the cautionary notes are not lessened by the enjoyable vein of campy humor." The Independent{{'}}s Clarisse Loughrey gave the film a score of four out of five stars, writing that "Under the canny, high-spirited direction of Gerard Johnstone, [...] it's incisive, sardonic, and totally mean-spirited. A perfect mix. Maybe it's not as shocking as Malignant, but it feels exactly like watching Mean Girls{{'}}s queen bee Regina George if someone had given her a knife and a death wish."{{Cite web |last=Loughrey |first=Clarisse |date=January 4, 2023 |title=M3GAN review: The memes haven't oversold this smart, mean and gleefully absurd killer doll thriller |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/m3gan-review-memes-movie-release-b2255961.html |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=The Independent |archive-date=January 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230104182310/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/reviews/m3gan-review-memes-movie-release-b2255961.html |url-status=live}}

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian awarded the film three out of five stars, calling it a "cheekily enjoyable chiller" and writing: "Derivative though M3GAN undoubtedly is, [...] there are some adroit satirical touches about dolls as toxic aspirational templates, dolls as parodies of intimacy and sensitivity and tech itself as sinister child-pacification, with kids given iPads the way Victorian children were given alcoholic gripe water."{{Cite web |last=Bradshaw |first=Peter |author-link=Peter Bradshaw |date=January 4, 2023 |title=M3gan review – girlbot horror offers entertaining spin on teenage growing pains |url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jan/04/m3gan-review-girlbot-horror-offers-entertaining-spin-on-teenage-growing-pains |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=The Guardian |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105014326/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/jan/04/m3gan-review-girlbot-horror-offers-entertaining-spin-on-teenage-growing-pains |url-status=live}} Meagan Navarro of Bloody Disgusting similarly praised the effects and performance work involved in depicting M3GAN, and complimented the film's humor, but called the trajectory of the narrative "well-telegraphed" and added, "Save for a few jump scares, there's an overt restraint with the horror. The PG-13 rating also dampens what kills we do get. Those looking for the unexpected likely won't find it here, though that doesn't make it any less fun."{{Cite web |last=Navarro |first=Meagan |date=January 5, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Review – Blumhouse's Slick New Killer Doll Aims to Entertain |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/reviews/3745818/m3gan-review-blumhouses-slick-new-killer-doll-aims-to-entertain/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Bloody Disgusting |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105135116/https://bloody-disgusting.com/reviews/3745818/m3gan-review-blumhouses-slick-new-killer-doll-aims-to-entertain/ |url-status=live}} USA Today{{'}}s Brian Truitt gave the film three out of four stars, also lauding its effects and satirical elements.{{Cite web |last=Truitt |first=Brian |date=January 5, 2023 |title='M3GAN' review: You'll love the mean-girl robot in this darkly funny, cautionary tale |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2023/01/05/megan-movie-review/10994174002/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=USA Today |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105191544/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/movies/2023/01/05/megan-movie-review/10994174002/ |url-status=live}} A.A. Dowd of Chron.com noted the presence of "some real ideas trickling through the film's B-movie code", and wrote that, "if the film is rarely very frightening (the kill scenes [...] lack both suspense and true holy-shit grisliness), it often works like gangbusters as an over-the-top horror comedy whose fun rests on a toy box full of priceless leering-doll reaction shots and cutting remarks."{{Cite web |last=Dowd |first=A.A. |date=January 5, 2023 |title='M3gan' gives January horror a wicked upgrade |url=https://www.chron.com/culture/reviews/article/m3gan-movie-review-17696784.php/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=chron.com |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105175447/https://www.chron.com/culture/reviews/article/m3gan-movie-review-17696784.php |url-status=live}}

The New York Times{{'}} Jason Zinoman noted the film as featuring "some absurd dialogue" and a "by-the-book conclusion", but commended its tone and wrote that Johnstone "doesn't go for elaborate suspense sequences or truly intense scares. He wants to please, not rattle. And while there are some hints at social commentary on how modern mothers and fathers use technology to outsource parenting, this movie is smart enough to never take itself too seriously."{{Cite web |last=Zinoman |first=Jason |author-link=Jason Zinoman |date=January 5, 2023 |title='M3gan' Review: Wherever I Go, She Goes |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/05/movies/megan-review.html |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105160047/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/05/movies/megan-review.html |url-status=live}} Tyler Doupe of Dread Central gave the film three out of five stars, lamenting its horror elements as lacking and its human characters as "somewhat two-dimensional", but writing that its comedic elements, "combined with the eventual build to an exciting conclusion, made the film worth my time."{{Cite web |last=Doupe |first=Tyler |date=January 5, 2023 |title='M3GAN' is a Mixed Bag that Delivers in the End [Review] |url=https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/444870/m3gan-is-a-mixed-bag-that-delivers-in-the-end/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=Dread Central |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105181329/https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/444870/m3gan-is-a-mixed-bag-that-delivers-in-the-end/ |url-status=live}} Randy Myers of The Mercury News gave the film two out of four stars, writing that it "stocks up on jump scares and keeps the violence PG-13, but fails to make us care about any of the humans in the path of M3GAN."{{Cite web |last=Myers |first=Randy |date=January 5, 2023 |title=What to watch: 'M3GAN' wants to be more than another creepy doll story |url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/01/05/what-to-watch-m3gan-wants-to-be-more-than-another-creepy-doll-story/ |access-date=January 5, 2023 |website=The Mercury News |archive-date=January 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105140034/https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/01/05/what-to-watch-m3gan-wants-to-be-more-than-another-creepy-doll-story/ |url-status=live}}

M3GAN has been described as a gay icon or a queer icon. Erik Piepenburg of The New York Times wrote that "women like M3gan, the gorgeous and loyal but messy and insolent ones", are the type of women gay men are protective of.{{cite news |last=Piepenburg |first=Erik |title=A Doll That Wears Sunglasses With Attitude? Oh, 'M3gan' Is a Gay Movie. |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/19/movies/m3gan-gay-sensibility.html |access-date=January 26, 2023 |work=The New York Times |date=January 19, 2023 |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126015736/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/01/19/movies/m3gan-gay-sensibility.html |url-status=live}} Jack King of GQ described M3GAN as being "factory made" as a queer icon, such as the use of gay-friendly terminology on Twitter.{{cite news |title=M3GAN was factory made to be an LGBTQ+ cult icon |url=https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/megan-movie-lgbtq-icon |access-date=January 26, 2023 |first=Jack |last=King |work=British GQ |date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126015741/https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/culture/article/megan-movie-lgbtq-icon |url-status=live}} Screenwriter Akela Cooper, in an interview with SFX Magazine, attributed the gay icon status to the "found family" motif of the film,{{cite news |last=Bhattacharyya |first=Raavya |title=Why M3GAN's Titular Doll Is Already Being Called a Queer Icon |url=https://www.cbr.com/why-m3gan-considered-queer-icon/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |work=CBR |date=January 7, 2023 |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126015734/https://www.cbr.com/why-m3gan-considered-queer-icon/ |url-status=live}} though Asyia Iftikhar of PinkNews attributed it to M3GAN's campiness.{{cite news |last=Iftikhar |first=Asyia |title=M3GAN writer tried and failed to explain why the killer doll is such a gay icon |url=https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/01/11/m3gan-akela-cooper-gay-icon-reaction/ |access-date=January 26, 2023 |work=PinkNews |date=January 11, 2023 |archive-date=January 26, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126015734/https://www.thepinknews.com/2023/01/11/m3gan-akela-cooper-gay-icon-reaction/ |url-status=live}}

=Accolades=

At the 2023 MTV Movie & TV Awards, M3GAN was nominated for Best Villain (M3GAN).{{Cite web |last=Piña |first=Christy |date=April 5, 2023 |title=Top Gun: Maverick, Stranger Things and The Last of Us Lead 2023 MTV Movie & TV Award Nominations |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mtv-movie-and-tv-award-2023-nominations-1235366429/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230405212437/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/mtv-movie-and-tv-award-2023-nominations-1235366429/ |archive-date=April 5, 2023 |access-date=April 5, 2023 |website=The Hollywood Reporter}} The film was nominated in three categories at the 2023 Golden Trailer Awards: "Family" (Inside Job) for Best Horror, and "Bringing Life To M3GAN" (The Fabulous Group) and "Meet M3GAN" (Paradise Creative) for Best Digital – Horror / Thriller. It won the Best Digital – Horror/Thriller category for "Getting Hacked".{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=June 5, 2023 |title=Golden Trailer Awards Nominations List: Stranger Things, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Ted Lasso & Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery Among Most Nominated |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/2023-golden-trailer-awards-nominations-list-1235408411/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605161252/https://deadline.com/2023/06/2023-golden-trailer-awards-nominations-list-1235408411/ |archive-date=June 5, 2023 |access-date=June 6, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}{{Cite web |last=Pedersen |first=Erik |date=June 29, 2023 |title=Golden Trailer Awards: Cocaine Bear, Only Murders In The Building & Oppenheimer Among Top Winners – Full List |url=https://deadline.com/2023/06/golden-trailer-awards-2023-winners-list-1235427612/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630063402/https://deadline.com/2023/06/golden-trailer-awards-2023-winners-list-1235427612/ |archive-date=June 30, 2023 |access-date=June 30, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}} M3GAN won Best Horror at the 6th Hollywood Critics Association Midseason Film Awards.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Erik |date=June 30, 2023 |title=Hollywood Critics Association 2023 Midseason HCA Awards: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, Past Lives, Air are Top Winners |url=https://awardswatch.com/hollywood-critics-association-2023-midseason-hca-awards-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-past-lives-air-are-top-winners/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230701114512/https://awardswatch.com/hollywood-critics-association-2023-midseason-hca-awards-spider-man-across-the-spider-verse-past-lives-air-are-top-winners/ |archive-date=July 1, 2023 |access-date=July 3, 2023 |website=AwardsWatch}} At the 51st Saturn Awards, the film received two nominations: Best Science Fiction Film and Best Performance by a Younger Actor.{{Cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=December 6, 2023 |title=Avatar: The Way Of Water, Oppenheimer, Star Trek Series Lead Nominations For Genre-Focused Saturn Awards |url=https://deadline.com/2023/12/saturn-awards-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235654052/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206185605/https://deadline.com/2023/12/saturn-awards-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235654052/ |archive-date=December 6, 2023 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}

In 2024, the film won Campiest Flick honors from GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics via the group's Dorian Awards, where it was also nominated for Genre Film of the Year.{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Tyler |date=February 26, 2024|title=Dorian Film Awards: 'All of Us Strangers' Sweeps Queer Film Critic Honors|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2024-dorian-film-awards-winners-all-of-us-strangers-1235835491/|access-date=April 1, 2024 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}

Future

{{Main|M3GAN 2.0{{!}}M3GAN 2.0|SOULM8TE{{!}}SOULM8TE}}

In November 2022, The New York Times reported that Universal was pleased by how the film turned out and was planning to make a sequel.{{Cite web |last=Barnes |first=Brooks |date=November 16, 2022 |title=Hollywood Horror Blockbuster: Two Leading Producers Will Soon Join Forces |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/16/business/jason-blum-james-wan-merger.html |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=The New York Times |archive-date=November 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221122130643/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/11/16/business/jason-blum-james-wan-merger.html |url-status=live}} In January 2023, Johnstone confirmed talks of a sequel, with Wan explaining that he had an "idea of where sequels would go".{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Tamera |date=January 5, 2023 |title=James Wan Already Knows Where a 'M3GAN' Sequel Could Potentially Go |url=https://collider.com/megan-movie-2-sequel-james-wan-comments/ |access-date=January 8, 2023 |website=Collider |archive-date=January 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230108210055/https://collider.com/megan-movie-2-sequel-james-wan-comments/ |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |last=Tinoco |first=Armando |date=January 9, 2023 |title='M3GAN' Screenwriter Says Original Script "Was Way Gorier" & Unrated Version "Is On The Books" |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/m3gan-screenwriter-original-script-gorier-unrated-version-on-the-books-1235214427/ |access-date=January 14, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 14, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230114042510/https://deadline.com/2023/01/m3gan-screenwriter-original-script-gorier-unrated-version-on-the-books-1235214427/ |url-status=live}} The sequel, M3GAN 2.0, was written by Cooper, with Williams and McGraw returning as Gemma and Cady, respectively.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |date=January 18, 2023 |title=M3GAN 2.0 To Happen In 2025 |url=https://deadline.com/2023/01/m3gan-2-release-date-1235226429/ |access-date=January 18, 2023 |website=Deadline Hollywood |archive-date=January 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230118211824/https://deadline.com/2023/01/m3gan-2-release-date-1235226429/ |url-status=live}} Johnstone was in talks to return to direct.{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Richard |date=January 18, 2023 |title=M3GAN director Gerard Johnstone on sequels, shooting in New Zealand |url=https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/18/m3gan-director-gerard-johnstone-on-sequels-shooting-in-new-zealand/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230119185954/https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/01/18/m3gan-director-gerard-johnstone-on-sequels-shooting-in-new-zealand/ |archive-date=January 19, 2023 |access-date=January 19, 2023 |website=1News}} The film was scheduled to be released on January 17, 2025, but was pushed back to May 16, 2025,{{Cite web |last=Squires |first=John |date=February 14, 2024 |title=Blumhouse Sequel M3GAN 2.0 Moves from January to May 2025 |url=https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3799897/blumhouse-sequel-m3gan-2-0-moves-from-january-to-may-2025/ |access-date=February 14, 2024 |website=Bloody Disgusting}} before being pushed back once more to June 27, 2025.{{cite web |last=Grobar |first=Matt |title=Universal Dates Five Nights At Freddy's 2, Woman In The Yard & Drop; The Black Phone, M3GAN Sequels Pushed |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/five-nights-at-freddys-2-sets-release-date-m3gan-sequel-pushed-1235919529/ |website=Deadline |access-date=16 May 2024 |date=16 May 2024}}

In June 2024, a spin-off titled SOULM8TE was announced as being in development, with Kate Dolan directing and rewriting the screenplay based on a previous draft written by Rafael Jordan. The film is scheduled to be released on January 2, 2026.{{Cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Anthony |title=Atomic Monster & Blumhouse Expand 'M3GAN' Universe With 'SOULM8TE', Set New Year's 2026 Release |url=https://deadline.com/2024/06/m3gan-movie-soulm8te-release-date-1235979125/ |website=Deadline Hollywood |date=June 20, 2024 |access-date=June 20, 2024}}