Fans of the horror genre had a hunch that M3GAN would delve into the absurd and surreal aspects of a killer doll on the loose, especially after the trailer featuring the main character’s humorous dance scene was released. Although the 2022 original was a success, complete with the expected gore and body count, its popularity stemmed largely from its campy elements, proving that murderous robots can indeed be entertaining.

The upcoming M3GAN 2.0 is set to hit theaters next week, and according to star and producer Allison Williams, who spoke with the Hollywood Reporter, the success of M3GAN gave the team the confidence to push boundaries in M3GAN 2.0, particularly in terms of tone.

Williams explained, “We were aware that the characters and tone from the first film worked, which gave us a degree of confidence. We weren’t starting from scratch, but rather building upon established elements. However, we still had to refine the new aspects of the movie, including our foray into the action genre, which wasn’t initially part of the plan.” She added that the inclusion of a second doll led director Gerard Johnstone to naturally gravitate towards the action genre.

Williams plays Gemma, the intelligent inventor of M3GAN, a character not typically suited for fight scenes. However, this contrast is what makes the comedy elements in M3GAN 2.0 effective, as Williams noted.

“The humor in M3GAN 2.0 is meta, playing on the idea of Gemma being thrust into an action movie. It’s absurd and hopefully enjoyable. We had a blast finding the humor in these situations while they were unfolding,” she said.

To make these scenarios believable, Williams emphasized the importance of Gemma taking her circumstances seriously.

“When I’m in scenes with M3GAN, I have to be fully committed to the situation. If I hint at the absurdity or camp of it all, it undermines the film. The only way this movie works is if we’re all dedicated to this world and its stakes,” she stated. “The characters are just as surprised by their situation as the audience, and they’re making the most of it.”

M3GAN 2.0 is scheduled to release on June 27.

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