‘M3GAN 2.0' Is the Killer Sequel You've Been Waiting For—Here's How to Watch
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
She's back, and deadlier than ever. M3GAN 2.0, the highly anticipated sequel to 2022's viral horror hit, marks the return of the internet's favorite killer doll, complete with sharper instincts and a rival with a mission of her own.
Directed once again by Gerard Johnstone, the sequel picks up two years after the original, with roboticist Gemma (Allison Williams) and her now-teenage niece Cady (Violet McGraw) navigating life after narrowly surviving M3GAN's first rampage. But a new government-backed AI weapon named AMELIA, played by Ivanna Sakhno, enters the picture—and it's not long before M3GAN is brought back to stop her.
The film officially hits theaters today, bringing together returning cast members Amie Donald, Jenna Davis, Jen Van Epps, and Brian Jordan Alvarez, alongside newcomers Aristotle Athari, Timm Sharp, and Jemaine Clement. The sequel also takes a satirical tone, focusing on our increasingly AI-reliant world.
'We shot this film three years ago and already technology has evolved so much,' Johnstone told 1News. 'The best thing about the movie is that it's part of the conversation about what's happening now and the more that happens the more there is to talk about. That's what's most exciting about getting to do one of these movies again.'
Among the new faces, AMELIA clearly stands out. Sakhno, who plays the military-grade android, told The AU Review she approached the character as more than a villain: 'Although she is very much an artificial intelligence, I think there are certain aspects of her that people can resonate with, and I can only hope that people are able to find a little bit of compassion towards her. But I also feel open to them being scared for her, equally.'
For now, M3GAN 2.0 is available only in theaters. As a Universal Pictures title, it is expected to eventually stream on Peacock, the studio's in-house streaming platform, although a date has not been confirmed. The original M3GAN, however, is available on Peacock.
Audiences can experience all the chaos, choreography, and campy thrills of M3GAN 2.0 the old-fashioned way—on the big screen.
Get Tickets
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Elle
an hour ago
- Elle
Keke Palmer Brings Back the Early 2000s in Archival Versace
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Summer has officially begun, and with it comes a perfect moment to reflect on the standout celebrity outfits that defined June. From ultra-wearable summer ensembles to a colorful red carpet moment at the Tonys, the stars really delivered this month. Plus, stylish king Colman Domingo makes an appearance! All that and more, below. When: June 25 Where: A movie premiere in Los Angeles What: Givenchy Why: Fitted to perfection. When: June 24 Where: Paris Men's Fashion Week What: Saint Laurent Why: I love to see women in male-dominated industries tailoring. When: June 21 Where: New York City What: Paloma Wool capris, Toteme sandals, and a bag from The Row Why: Polka dots and gingham are vying for print of the summer, and Bieber just made her choice known. When: June 19 Where: New York City What: Atelier Versace Why: Palmer turned this paparazzi moment into a full photo shoot—blowing kisses and striking poses, as she should. When: June 17 Where: Los Angeles What: A Jacquemus dress and Jessica McCormack earrings Why: You've heard of the little black dress, but the little red dress? When: June 12 Where: New York City What: Schiaparelli Why: Who else is doing it like Julianne Moore? Nobody! Where: The Songwriters Hall of Fame Induction and Awards Gala in New York City What: A Colleen Allen dress Why: Looking every bit as ethereal as she sounds. When: June 11 What: A Coach varsity jacket Why: Erivo's style signature? Mega platforms with any and every outfit. What: A Michael Kors jumpsuit Why: So many warm tones working beautifully together. Where: New York City What: A Valentino Garavani tote bag Why: This marks the second month in a row that a dapper man has made the list. Let's keep this trend going, boys. When: June 10 Where: A screening in Los Angeles What: A Tory Burch skirt and tank top Why: Not a white lotus, but we'll take a pink flower. Where: The Business of Beauty Global Forum in Napa, California What: A Generation Love skirt and top Why: Do I need this set for work? Yes or yes? When: June 9 Where: New York City What: Gia Studios shorts and blazer Why: This length of culotte is so hard to pull off, but you'd never know it by her effortless poise. Where: New York City What: Jimmy Choo shoes Why: These shoes were made for jaywalking. When: June 8 Where: The Tony Awards at Radio City in New York City What: Carolina Herrera Why: I can't imagine a more summery palette. When: June 7 Where: The premiere of How to Train Your Dragon in Los Angeles What: Chanel Why: Tiers, bows, and ruffles—impeccably executed. When: June 4 Where: New York City What: A brown pinstripe blazer dress and brown pointed-toe slingbacks Why: Why should neckties belong to men alone?
Forbes
2 hours ago
- Forbes
‘M3GAN 2.0' Got The Blessing Of Steven Seagal And A Selfless Kate Bush
She's back! M3GAN in 'M3GAN 2.0' After M3GAN slayed at the box office in 2023, grossing $180 million worldwide against a $12 million budget, the studio greenlit a sequel. However, M3GAN 2.0, the follow-up to the science fiction horror film, is full of surprises, including a genre shift that leans towards action and humor, as well as the titular icon's evolution from an AI killer doll to a hero. And audiences absolutely won't be expecting an homage to the martial artist-turned-action-movie-star Steven Seagal. Cady, the girl M3gan has been tasked with protecting, is a fan of his movies and studies Aikido. "We did have to get Steven's permission," writer-director Gerard Johnstone confirms to me during a chat over Zoom. "I don't know if we sent him the script, but we absolutely did have to get permission, and he was gracious enough to give it to us. I'm well aware that he's a controversial figure, but there was something about young Steven Seagal as a presence in that era of Stallone, Van Damme, and Schwarzenegger. Here came this guy that's just completely different and so unique, and he felt like an oddity in the sort of era of those movies that I thought it was worth celebrating." "Aristotle Athari, who plays Christian, and I bonded over Seagal when we first met and talked about the role. We talked about movies we liked, and we somehow both shared a reverence for early Seagal and the presence he exuded. When I thought about Cady coming into her own as a teenager, strengthening herself as a character, and getting into martial arts, I thought it would be very funny if Gemma took her to Aikido. It is the most peaceful, non-aggressive martial art there is. Still, it has this incredibly volatile, controversial, public spokesperson for it, so I just thought that was really interesting and funny." Another pivotal moment in M3GAN 2.0 involves the classic Kate Bush track, "This Woman's Work." A fan of the legendary British singer, Johnstone has had designs on the song for a while. "It was in the script, but in an earlier draft, it was another song because the situation was different and called for a different song," the filmmaker explains. "I wanted M3gan to sing This Woman's Work over the titles of the first film, but we didn't have enough time to seek out the rights. That was a fun idea I had that I didn't get to do anything with. Once I realized the context of the scene in the sequel had changed and it was about motherhood, it felt like the most natural song choice." "I'm a massive fan of Kate Bush, and in all honesty, we shot that scene not knowing if we would get the rights; we just had to hope and pray that we did. It took a little bit of convincing, and she had to see the scene to approve it, but she did. Kate didn't take any money for it either. We gave her all we could afford, and she gave it to charity. That made me an even bigger fan." 'M3GAN 2.0' Is Influenced By An Eclectic Selection Of Classic Movies Set two years after the first film, M3GAN's creator, Gemma, played by Allison Williams, resurrects her notorious invention to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN's underlying tech. M3GAN 2.0 is exclusively in theaters now and is not available on streaming to watch at home. Due to the robot vs. robot storyline, numerous comparisons are being drawn with classic films from the 1980s and 1990s, such as Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Johnstone happily confirms that it is in the mix, but some of the other inspirations might surprise people. "Terminator 2 is the most obvious one just because two robots are going at each other. When James Wan was thinking about another robot, he was thinking T2 in some ways, and then he handed me the keys," the Housebound director confirms. "I'm a child of the 80s and 90s, so those were the films that stuck with me, and I miss those movies. I miss the crazy, bombastic, bold, and subversive popcorn movies that are massively entertaining, but they have a layer that's very offbeat. They're operating on two tracks. On one lane, it's absolutely populist entertainment, but on another, it's asking people to think about some deep things, and that's what I'm trying to do with this." "Total Recall is in there, and I watched Short Circuit early on and examined the relationship between Johnny 5 and his human counterparts. That inspired the relationship between Cady and Megan this time around because Cady is the one who's trying to figure things out, and is M3gan real and conscious or just a bunch of zeros and ones? Robocop and Bram Stoker's Dracula were also influences, as were The City of Lost Children and Pan's Labyrinth. The creation of M3gan's lair owes a lot to those sorts of movies. They influenced everything about the film, including its visual appearance. We tried to make it look very organic, so we shot it using anamorphic lenses to make it feel like a film from those two decades." Director Gerard Johnstone on the set of 'M3GAN 2.0.' A common feature in the 80s and 90s action genre is the use of subtitles, such as Die Hard 2: Die Harder. It's even still used occasionally today for films such as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. So, did M3GAN 2.0 ever have a different title, or was that always going to be the title? "I didn't come up with the title. The title was announced before I was officially on board, so I had no part in that," Johnstone reveals. "The working title of my script was M3GAN 2: Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. That was what I was always working with, but I never pushed it." Almost as soon as the first trailer was released in 2022, M3gan became a pop culture phenomenon, and, similarly to other titans of terror such as The Babadook, she emerged as a gay icon. Whereas the original film landed in theaters in January, M3GAN 2.0 lands in June, coinciding with Pride Month and officially qualifying it as a summer blockbuster. "I don't know if that was intentional or not, but certainly coming out in the summer is a huge responsibility," the filmmaker muses. "I don't know if which came first, the release date or the direction that we went in for the sequel, but the first film just had such a crazy, huge reaction that I thought, 'Well, let's go big on the sequel.'" "You can never let fear be a driving factor in any of these things. You just have to do what inspires you and try to make a movie that you would want to see. First and foremost, you have to entertain yourself. That's what I enjoy doing. I like to block out the noise, let other people take care of it, and focus on telling a really fun story and having as much fun with the character as I possibly could." (Left to right) James Wan, Gerard Johnstone and Jason Blum attend as Universal Pictures and ... More Blumhouse present the 'M3GAN 2.0' premiere at AMC Lincoln Square 13 in New York City. 'M3GAN 2.0' Is The Start Of A New Beginning For The AI Icon When it comes to questions regarding the franchise's genre shift and departure from the horror roots of M3GAN, Johnstone remains confident in his decision. "Audiences have already decided she's a hero, so it felt like the path was like for us to do that. In the first film, she's more of a mystery. Even M3gan doesn't know what she is, so it felt natural and fitting," he says. "Once you take her out of the shadows and start talking about other robots, it made sense to me to go out of a world of toys, and if a technology like this exists, the only plausible thing you could do with it is bring her into the military. Suddenly, it was a much bigger canvas. It felt as though if we had stayed in horror, it would be oddly limiting. We've done all that. I don't understand why you need to repeat yourself. I understand that audiences want more of the same, but I honestly don't think they would like it. I don't think they'd be happy if you gave them the same thing. As a character, M3gan herself doesn't want to be put in a box." Although a spin-off is already on the way, this is probably where Johnstone and M3gan part ways. Even the M3GAN 2.0 end credit sequence plays out over a montage of highlights from both films, appearing to be a bookend of sorts. Is this the end that it feels like? "It is for me," the New Zealander confesses. "I have been on the M3GAN train since 2018 because that's when I first got the script, so it's been a long time for me. I felt like putting every idea I had and as much as I could into this movie." The M3GAN 2.0 director concludes, "In a way, it's me saying, 'I hope you enjoyed it. I'm pretty sure I'm going to take a break and hand this over to someone else.' She's such a fun character that there's more to do with her, and I'll always be there to support whoever you know might take up the reins."
Elle
2 hours ago
- Elle
If Glass Skin Is Your Dream, These Korean Skin Care Brands Will Make It a Reality
Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy. Skin care has undergone several changes over the years, from consumers adopting an expansive, multi-step approach to their routine to everyone switching to something uncomplicated yet effective. Why? Well, everyone's obsessed with Korean skin care, and if it's one thing Korea taught us about skin—glass skin, specifically—it's that you don't need a ton of products to achieve the skin you desire. These days, the country's ampoules, serums, and sheet masks have infiltrated everyone's bathrooms in one way or another, partly thanks to TikTok and the educational efforts of Korean retail platforms like Soko Glam and Peach & Lily. 'K-beauty really has become known for pushing the envelope—from their unique textures, advanced and effective ingredient formulations, to their packaging, formats, and affordable price points. K-beauty leaves no stone unturned, and it's why skin care brands are pivoting to formulating and manufacturing their products there, too,' says Charlotte Cho, the founder of Soko Glam. The products are mainstays in our beauty collections because they actually work. 'When you see outsized results, you share with your friends, and you continue to use and love the products, and I've seen Korean skin care take off and sustain itself as a standout category in the U.S. for many years now because of this,' adds Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon. Whether you're a Korean beauty devotee or haven't dipped your toe into the world of snail mucin and glass skin quite yet, there's always something new to discover. We drew from our personal experiences as beauty editors and the rich knowledge of our experts to compile this guide to the best Korean skin care brands leading the pack today. For those who prefer the simple things in life, Mixsoon's offerings are as straightforward as they come. However, its most popular range features one star ingredient: fermented soybeans, which are rich in amino acids and help firm and improve the skin's elasticity. Best for: All skin types Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'I've yet to find a Korean sunscreen I dislike because the formulations are so elegant and invisible and perfect for someone with a deep complexion like mine. And because I'm acne-prone, I can't indulge in just any formula, which is why I love this one from Mixsoon. With no pore-clogging ingredients and a soft-to-the-touch, non-white finish, this has quickly become my go-to sunscreen.'—Nerisha Penrose, beauty commerce editor While several Korean skin care brands aim to help consumers achieve glass skin, Aestura focuses on treating sensitive skin. Because those with sensitive skin can easily aggravate their skin barrier, these salves soothe and calm irritation and improve elasticity. Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'My skin is peppered with dark spots and I rely heavily on the powers of retinol and exfoliants to fade those spots to obscurity. As such, my skin needs repreieve sometimes and I find it in this creamy, lightweight moisturizer. Packed with ceramides and fatty acids, this moisturizer soothes my skin and preps it to withstand another week of heavy-hitters.'—Nerisha Penrose Sulwhasoo is one of those brands that feels like it's been around forever, and it's only grown in popularity. It's a favorite of my grandma's, and she's virtually wrinkle-free. 'The brand is a classic that I love because of their potent use of ginseng, which is a powerful adaptogen that multi-tasks hard for skin, delivering benefits ranging from energizing to increasing glow to brightening to visibly firming. The First Care Activating Serum is timeless and brings instant vitality and glow to the skin,' says Yoon. The serum is also an ELLE First Class Beauty and Future of Beauty Award winner! Sulwhasoo rating: 4.8/5 stars Our expert says: 'Unless I'm testing a product for a story, Sulwhasoo First Activating Serum is my go-to travel serum of choice. I really love to layer serums at home, particularly hyaluronic acid and liquid peptides. However, when I travel, I want to take one anti-aging serum that covers it all, so I have more room for all my outfits. Gingseng, the star ingredient in all Sulwhasoo products, helps fight inflammation, minimizes wrinkles, boosts collagen production, and more. My Aunt Maggie wanted to update her skin care routine, so I suggested this product. This serum is great at preventing signs of aging as well as minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, which are natural to get as we age.' —Danielle James, beauty expert Founded in 2013, right before the K-beauty boom, this brand has since garnered internet and TikTok fame for its simple and affordable skin care solutions. While you may balk at first at applying snail mucin on your face, you'll be a believer as soon as you try this essence. Soko Glam rating: 4.7/5 stars Our expert says: 'I've been using this product on and off for nearly a decade now. There's nothing quite like it to boost moisture in my skin and quench it when I feel particularly dry. It may feel a bit sticky at first, but it absorbs so quickly that I never hesitate to reach for it when I need it.' —Carol Lee, beauty expert Belif's lineup consists of products designed to hydrate all types of skin. Even oily skin can benefit from extra moisture, as excess sebum production can indicate dehydration. The Aqua Bomb Hydrating Sleeping Mask ensures that skin stays plump and free from dry spots while you get your beauty sleep. Best for: Dehydrated skin Ulta rating: 4.6/5 stars Our expert says: 'There's a phrase in Korean that basically translates to 'filled with moisture'—that's exactly how my skin feels when I use any product from Belif. My aunt loves this product in particular so much that she uses it as a night cream every single evening.' —Carol Lee Laneige is another brand whose main focus is moisturizing all of the skin on your face. But perhaps no product has helped put the brand on the map quite like the lip sleeping mask, which bursts with nourishing shea butter, murumuru butter, and coconut oil to keep your pout looking its best. Laneige rating: 4.7/5 stars An ELLE editor says: 'In my many years of life, I've left no lip balm or gloss unturned. Carmex was my balm of choice until I entered college and wanted something a little more mature, yet still affordable for a college kid's pocket. Then came the MAC obsession. But times changed, and lip masks became a thing, thanks to Laneige's Lip Sleeping Mask. Dousing my lips in the mask, whether overnight or throughout the day, leaves them feeling pillow-soft and smooth. Even better, the mask imparts a subtle glow reminiscent of my favorite beauty supply store lip glosses, so really, I'm getting the best of both worlds.' —Nerisha Penrose Dr. Jart+ concentrates on gentle formulas that support the skin barrier and reduce irritation with science-backed ingredients like ceramides and cica. There are too many excellent products to choose from, but this sensitive skin-friendly sheet mask is an ELLE favorite due to its soothing superpowers. Sephora rating: 4.7/5 stars Our expert says: 'When my skin is feeling especially irritated or red, I know I can rely on Dr. Jart+ products to calm it down. This mask hydrates and soothes my skin every time I use it. I don't foresee myself giving it up anytime soon.' —Carol Lee We can't talk glass skin without mentioning Hanyul. 'I believe Hanyul is the true leader for glass skin by perfecting the balance of purifying and replenishing our skin with gentle and effective ingredients. The formulas do not contain any artificial fragrances or colorants, but the textures and the fragrances are so unreal that I had to triple-check that was the case. Their Pure Artemesia water pads (toner pads) are extremely popular in Korea.' Koreans often use toner pads before applying their makeup to prep and calm their skin, as moisturized skin means that you'll end up with a smoother and glowier finish. Olive Young rating: 4.8/5 stars An Olive Young reviewer says: 'Helped with my dry itchy neck during the coldest time of year. Redness practically went away overnight. Love how cooling and soothing it is on my skin.' Yoon took Korean skin care knowledge synthesized after curating and learning about the best products on the market to develop formulas that make achieving the smooth, dewy skin of your dreams easier than ever. 'If you're looking for an easy foundational routine to achieve glass skin goals, start with the popular Glass Skin Discovery Kit,' Yoon says. Peach & Lily rating: 4.7/5 stars A Peach & Lily reviewer says: 'This has transformed my skin and my sons as well—I wanted to try on two different ages to ensure efficacy, and was I ever pleased! We both have more hydrated luminous skin without excess oil or irritation! Absolutely amazing routine!' Then I Met You is the culmination of years of trying thousands of Korean skin care products—Cho took that experience and created a line that took inspiration from the innovation she saw. 'The Living Cleansing Balm has won 15 industry and people's choice awards in a matter of a few years and is our bestselling product because of its luxurious, sorbet-soft texture,' Cho says. A Soko Glam reviewer says: 'I've repurchased this cleansing balm countless times and make sure I have an extra and travel size handy. I LOVE it! It takes off all the products and dirt from the day and has an amazing smooth feel. I don't have to keep working to remove it with my cleanser. It doesn't make my vision as blurry as other oil cleansers do. It's also SO satisfying to use every night.' 'This brand has been around for decades, gaining popularity in the U.S. over the last decade for its clean, gentle formulas that always keep the skin barrier in mind. The Essence Toner helps revive and reset skin when it's irritated or tired,' Yoon adds. If you're unfamiliar with the category, a toner should be applied right after cleansing and before the rest of your skin care products. Best for: Sensitive skin An Amazon reviewer says: 'This is an incredible toner/serum product. It's a nice thick watery substance that sinks really nicely into the skin when applied, and it doesn't leave any stickiness or strange texture behind. I also love the slightly tightening feeling you get when it is on the skin.' Korean makeup artist Kowon is highly sought after by A-list celebrities for her ability to enhance natural beauty. One of her philosophies is that makeup starts with the state of your skin and how you're taking care of it, which is why she joined forces with scientists and doctors to formulate this line of deeply nourishing and hydrating products. 'The result? Skin with a next-level dewy glow. The Cellus Aqualane Solution includes fermented squalane for deeper hydration and acacia to focus on aquaporins for amping up hydration," explains Yoon. A Peach & Lily reviewer says: 'A little goes a long way, and it only takes a drop or two to cover your whole face. Didn't irritate my ridiculously sensitive skin, and completely stopped the flakiness I've been dealing with for ages in just a couple days.' Each of this Korean skin care brand's products is clinically tested to ensure efficacy, and the line includes products to address every concern, from acne to wrinkles. When you're using such effective formulas, you want to make sure you're getting the most out of them, which is where this device comes in. After applying your favorite product, use the Age-R Booster H to help push it deeper into the skin. Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars An Amazon reviewer says: 'I had been reading about this device for quite a while and finally decided to give it a go. I have to say, it does help the products absorb faster and better. It does have a pulsating mode that feels like you are getting a facial massage. Overall, I am very pleased with my purchase.' Luxury skin care brand OHUI has been around for decades, but it is finally making its foray into the U.S. market. Its products are hailed for their brightening and anti-aging properties, and many of them are geared toward addressing melasma and dark spots. The Miracle Moisture line features ceramides and peptides to plump skin and strengthen the skin barrier. Best for: All skin types, especially mature skin An Amazon reviewer says: 'I can honestly say that, more than any other skincare product I have tried, this has made a huge difference in the texture and hydration of my skin.' Charlotte Cho is the founder of Soko Glam. Alicia Yoon is the founder of Peach & Lily. It's an unequivocal yes from us. 'Korean skin care is great for all ages, skin types and skin tones, and you can certainly mix and match across different brands regardless of origin. In fact, many of your 'non-Korean' skincare products are likely now manufactured in Korea!' says Cho. What actually matters are what's inside the products and their purposes. 'It's more about the specific formulas and ingredients. There are some ingredients, like using too many harsh active ingredients all at once, that shouldn't be mixed whether that's across Korean or non-Korean skin care categories,' Yoon warns. Just make sure to space out your actives and consult a dermatologist if you have any doubts. 'There are over 20,000 Korean Beauty brands! Narrowing down what Korean skin care product is right for you is much like approaching any other skin care decision,' Yoon says. She advises figuring out your skin type and goals first and tracking which ingredients agree with your skin and which ones you should avoid. 'That said, if you're not using an essence, that's a great place to start because it can take your skincare routine to another level as it enhances absorption of other products and drenches skin with hydration—and when skin is well hydrated, so many other skin issues can be improved,' she adds. Meanwhile, Cho recommends experimenting with a double cleanse first—that is, cleansing your skin first with a balm or oil and following up with a regular cleanser to really ensure that you remove all the makeup, SPF, and pollutants on your face. 'Good skin care starts with a clean base, and there is nothing more effective than an oil cleanser followed by a water-based cleanser to remove impurities. That's why we have a whole category for double cleansing on Soko Glam,' she explains. As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with trusted Korean skin care experts about Korean skin care brands. Lee also searched the internet for top-rated Korean skin care products and brands, perused reviews for dozens of popular options, and evaluated each on their features and customer reviews.
