UPDATE: The much-anticipated sequel, M3GAN 2.0, is now streaming on Peacock, but early reviews signal a significant drop in quality and viewer interest. Following the surprise success of the original film, which grossed $182 million, the sequel has reportedly earned only $39 million, raising questions about its direction and appeal.
This week’s release marks a troubling shift in the franchise, moving from its original blend of cheeky horror to a lackluster action-comedy. While fans were eager for the return of the AI doll who captivated audiences in 2023, many are now left disappointed by the film’s convoluted plot and pacing issues.
The film opens on the Turkish-Iranian border with an AI soldier named AMELIA going rogue. However, the storyline quickly deviates to focus on M3GAN’s creator, Gemma, portrayed by Allison Williams, as she navigates a new landscape of AI ethics while pursuing a speaking career. The film’s attempt to inject humor and action has not resonated well, leading to a feeling that the sequel is trying too hard to veer away from the original’s winning formula.
Critics have noted that the film feels bloated and unfocused, with many scenes dedicated to exposition rather than action. This slow pacing results in M3GAN’s character taking a backseat, which is disappointing for viewers who loved her antics in the first film.
In a twist on the original narrative, M3GAN is needed to combat the rogue AMELIA, but this leads to convoluted plot points that leave audiences scratching their heads. As one review bluntly puts it, the film is a “dull, flabby mess” lacking the sharpness that made the first film a hit.
With mixed reactions flooding social media, viewers are encouraged to consider skipping this sequel. However, for fans who wish to see how the franchise evolves, M3GAN 2.0 is available now for Peacock subscribers, with options for rental or purchase on various VOD platforms.
As the movie industry continues to grapple with sequel fatigue, many are left wondering if the upcoming spinoff, SOULM8TE, will manage to revive the franchise’s reputation.
For now, audiences can catch M3GAN 2.0 on Peacock’s Premium subscription, available for $10.99/month or $16.99/month for the ad-free experience.
Will you stream it or skip it? The decision lies with the viewers as they navigate this disappointing sequel.