M3GAN 2: More Horror Needs This!

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Summary

  • M3GAN 2.0 is taking a bold approach akin to Terminator 2 by turning the killer robot into a protagonist.
  • Horror sequels usually aim for profits over creativity, but M3GAN 2.0 is embracing a gonzo, daring direction.
  • The film industry traditionally goes for safe sequels, but outliers like Terminator 2 and Bride of Frankenstein inspired M3GAN 2.0 to take creative risks.

In the unveiling of its first official trailer, the upcoming sequel titled “M3GAN 2.0” has intrigued viewers with some surprising details. This follow-up to Blumhouse’s 2022 hit horror sensation, “M3GAN“, is deviating from the common path in horror sequels. Unlike traditional strategies where a sequel is often a rehash of the original film, “M3GAN 2.0” seems to be following in the footsteps of “Terminator 2: Judgement Day,” where a successful low-budget sci-fi horror movie gets an action-packed blockbuster sequel. It’s commendable that they’re taking this bold approach, and more horror franchises should have the audacity to be as daring as “M3GAN 2.0.”

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I’ve noticed an interesting trend in the film industry over the years – horror sequels have proven to be a lucrative and dependable source of income for quite some time now. The horror genre, brimming with artistic potential and creative possibilities, has also shown remarkable resilience and profitability for studios.

Compared to other genres, horror films are often produced at a lower cost, yet they consistently generate significant profits for their creators and distributors. It’s no surprise that some of the most financially successful films ever made, such as Halloween, Texas Chain Saw Massacre, and Paranormal Activity, were low-budget horror productions that captured audiences’ imagination.

Horror Films Have, Generally Speaking, Always Been A Safe Haven For Easy Serialization

It’s not unexpected that the horror genre has emerged as one of the genres with the most serialized films in cinematic history. In fact, long before sequels became commonplace in mainstream productions, the horror genre was already churning out follow-ups to successful franchises at an impressive rate. These sequels aimed to cash in on the success of the first film while keeping costs low to maximize profits. This trend has continued throughout the years, with most modern horror sequels being primarily focused on generating profits rather than trying to recapture the essence of the original that resonated with audiences.

It’s important to point out that things weren’t always this way in the realm of horror filmmaking. In fact, the groundbreaking horror sequel, “Bride of Frankenstein,” directed by James Whale and released in 1935, marked a significant departure from its predecessor. The budget for this movie skyrocketed by around 40%, climbing up from the original 1931 “Frankenstein.” This financial boost allowed Whale and his team to delve into uncharted creative territories. The monster portrayed by Boris Karloff underwent a genuine transformation, transitioning from the silent creature of the first film into a fully articulate protagonist. The film’s tone was also drastically altered, as Whale injected more of his signature dark humor, which he had developed over the years. “Bride of Frankenstein” was an audacious sequel, one whose financial and creative risks are even more astonishing considering it was the first horror sequel ever produced.

James Cameron Changed The Horror Sequel Game With Aliens

After several decades, numerous horror series opted for a mass-production strategy to quickly churn out horror sequels. However, there were some exceptions who championed creative and innovative horror sequels instead. One significant figure in this movement was none other than James Cameron, the director of three of the most successful movies ever made. His first attempt at a horror sequel didn’t turn out well, as his debut film was “Piranha II: The Spawning” in 1982. This movie largely reused elements from the original film, causing Cameron frustration since he was even fired during production for reasons related to creative disagreements. But for his next opportunity, Cameron had more clout and managed to create a horror sequel that met his vision with “Aliens”.

Ridley Scott’s 1979 sci-fi horror movie’s follow-up transformed the intense fear of confined spaces in the original into an action-packed blend of terror and excitement. The budget for Aliens was significantly more than the first film, allowing James Cameron to take bold creative risks with ambition and determination. This sequel became iconic for the franchise and later influenced Cameron when he made a sequel to his own low-budget sci-fi movie, The Terminator.

Terminator 2: Judgment Day Turned A Horror Sequel Into One Of The Most Successful Films Ever

A notable instance of a horror movie’s sequel significantly deviating from its original is ‘Terminator 2: Judgment Day’. This film’s opening scene was notoriously expensive to produce, costing more than the entire budget of the first film. Like ‘Bride of Frankenstein’ and ‘Aliens’, ‘Terminator 2’ transforms the antagonist from the first movie into a more relatable main character, changes the tone, and replaces terrifying horror with thrilling action sequences. Yet, it’s been over three decades since ‘Terminator 2’ was released, and despite the film’s enduring popularity and Cameron’s acclaimed work, it didn’t spark a trend in the horror genre… until today.

When M3GAN debuted in 2022, it adhered to the traditional Blumhouse formula – a budget-friendly, imaginative horror film with potential for substantial earnings. Yet, M3GAN surpassed predictions and transformed into a widespread cultural sensation. It appears that seasoned producer Jason Blum granted writer and director Gerard Johnstone more creative leeway when it came to developing a sequel. And based on previews, Johnstone has used this freedom to create a larger, funnier, and bloodier horror-action blockbuster, similar to Terminator 2. Like Bride of Frankenstein and T2, the sequel shifts the title robotic antagonist into a protagonist, even mirroring the T-1000’s strategy of pitting her against a more advanced model of robot.

As a horror enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for this masterpiece – it’s exactly the kind of daring, boundary-pushing content that horror movies should strive for. Opting for safety and financial security might be an easier path, but it goes against the very essence of horror as a genre. Horror is all about taking risks, feeling fearless, and going all in on a wild, gutsy sequel to keep the chills coming.

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2025-04-12 19:26