The highly anticipated M3GAN 2.0 is set to captivate audiences with its chilling blend of sci-fi and horror. As a sequel to the 2022 hit M3GAN, this film brings back the eerie artificial intelligence doll in a new, action-packed story. For fans eager to learn more, the M3GAN 2.0 filming locations are a key part of what makes this movie visually striking. At NetFilming, we explore the two primary cities where this thrilling sequel was shot: Auckland, New Zealand, and Toronto, Canada. Read on to discover how these locations shaped the film’s futuristic and suspenseful atmosphere.
Overview of M3GAN 2.0
M3GAN 2.0 is the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2022 sci-fi horror hit M3GAN, promising a thrilling mix of action, suspense, and artificial intelligence gone awry. Directed by Gerard Johnstone and written by Johnstone and Akela Cooper, the film reunites stars Allison Williams as Gemma, Violet McGraw as Cady, Amie Donald as M3GAN’s physical performer, and Jenna Davis as her chilling voice. New cast members, including Ivanna Sakhno as the rogue robot Amelia, Jemaine Clement, and Aristotle Athari, join the ensemble.
Set for release on June 27, 2025, by Universal Pictures, M3GAN 2.0 takes place two years after the original, with Gemma now advocating for AI regulation. When a stolen M3GAN prototype creates Amelia, a military-grade android threatening humanity, Gemma must upgrade M3GAN to fight back. This shift to a sci-fi action-horror blend, inspired by Terminator 2: Judgment Day, demanded dynamic M3GAN 2.0 filming sites like Auckland and Toronto. These cities’ modern and eerie settings enhance the story’s tension, making the sequel a visual and emotional spectacle for fans.
Where was M3GAN 2.0 filmed?
The filmmakers selected two major cities to bring the world of M3GAN 2.0 to life: Auckland, New Zealand, and Toronto, Canada. Each location offered a unique blend of modern architecture, high-tech studios, and atmospheric streets, perfectly suiting the film’s tone. Below, we break down how these cities contributed to the movie’s eerie and futuristic vibe.
Auckland, New Zealand
Auckland served as the primary filming hub, leveraging its modern skyline, advanced technology hubs, and diverse urban landscapes to create the film’s futuristic and eerie atmosphere. The city’s modern infrastructure made it a natural choice to depict the high-stakes world of AI development.
- Urban Settings: Many of the film’s outdoor scenes, including thrilling chase sequences and action-packed moments, were filmed in Auckland’s city center. The tall buildings and neon-lit streets created a futuristic, almost dystopian feel that amplified the tension of M3GAN’s battles.
- Residential Areas: Scenes depicting Gemma and Cady’s home life were shot in Auckland’s suburban neighborhoods. These locations grounded the story in a relatable, everyday setting before the chaos of rogue AI unfolds.
- Film Studios: Auckland’s state-of-the-art film studios were crucial for indoor scenes, particularly those involving laboratory settings and CGI-heavy sequences. These facilities allowed filmmakers to craft M3GAN’s lifelike movements using a combination of animatronics, CGI, and stunt work by Amie Donald, who physically portrays M3GAN, with Jenna Davis providing the voice.
Auckland’s role wasn’t new to the franchise. The first M3GAN film also used the city to double as Seattle, showcasing its versatility. For M3GAN 2.0, Auckland’s film-friendly environment, skilled local crews, and advanced studios made it a top choice. Filming in Auckland began on July 15, 2024, and wrapped on September 21, 2024, spanning 52 days, as confirmed by producer Jason Blum on X.
Toronto, Canada
Toronto, Ontario, was the second major filming location for M3GAN 2.0. This city’s unique mix of modern skyscrapers and gothic architecture provided a versatile setting for the film’s darker, more suspenseful moments. Toronto’s established film industry and proximity to cutting-edge studios made it an excellent complement to Auckland.
- High-Tech Environments: Scenes involving M3GAN’s upgrades and laboratory experiments were filmed in Toronto’s modern buildings, which doubled as high-tech facilities. These settings underscored the film’s focus on AI innovation gone wrong.
- Atmospheric Streets: Toronto’s moody, urban streets were used for night sequences and suspenseful moments. The city’s ability to shift from sleek to haunting helped create the cinematic tension fans expect from the M3GAN franchise.
- Studio Work: Like Auckland, Toronto’s film studios supported complex scenes requiring visual effects. These controlled environments were essential for bringing the new character, Amelia, to life as a formidable military-grade robot.
Toronto’s reputation as a filming hub, seen in projects like The Umbrella Academy and Star Trek: Discovery, made it a strategic choice. Its diverse landscapes and production resources allowed the M3GAN 2.0 team to capture both the futuristic and eerie elements of the story.
Did M3GAN 2.0 Film Anywhere Else?
While some sources mention the Golden Gate Bridge appearing in M3GAN 2.0, there’s no confirmation that filming took place in San Francisco. The iconic bridge, known for its “international orange” color and Art Deco design, likely appears via CGI or stock footage to enhance a specific scene. Unlike the first M3GAN, which filmed in Los Angeles and Poughkeepsie, New York, M3GAN 2.0 focused exclusively on Auckland and Toronto for principal photography. This streamlined approach allowed the production to maximize the unique strengths of these two cities.
Filming Timeline and Production Details
Filming for M3GAN 2.0 ran from July 15, 2024, to September 21, 2024, totaling 52 days. The production leaned heavily on practical effects, with Amie Donald performing M3GAN’s physical movements and Jenna Davis delivering the chilling voice. New cast members, including Ivanna Sakhno as Amelia, Jemaine Clement, and Aristotle Athari, joined the returning leads to expand the story’s scope. The combination of real locations and studio work ensured that every scene, from quiet suburban moments to explosive action, felt immersive.
M3GAN 2.0 Behind the Scenes
Filming spanned 52 days, from July 15 to September 21, 2024, under director Gerard Johnstone’s vision. The team relied heavily on animatronics and CGI to make M3GAN and Amelia appear lifelike, with Amie Donald’s physical performance and Jenna Davis’s voice adding authenticity.
Producer Jason Blum praised the process, saying on X, “Day 1 of M3GAN 2.0 in Auckland—our crew is killing it!” Allison Williams, returning as Gemma, highlighted the sequel’s scale in an interview, noting, “The action is bigger, but the heart of the story—family and technology—stays true.” Auckland’s studios handled intricate lab scenes, while Toronto’s atmospheric streets amplified suspense. The crew’s dedication to blending practical stunts with digital effects ensured M3GAN’s eerie presence captivated audiences, making the behind-the-scenes effort as compelling as the film itself.
Mark your calendars for June 27, 2025, and get ready to see how these filming locations bring the next chapter of this chilling saga to life.
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