This article contains SPOILERS for M3GAN 2.0.
Blumhouse’s new film,M3GAN 2.0, seems to have taken plenty of cues from director James Cameron’s classic sci-fi blockbuster,Terminator 2: Judgment Day. Thesequel to 2023’sM3GANfeatures the titular AI returning after her supposed death to protect Gemma and Cady from another killer android built based on her blueprints.
TheM3GANfranchise had already trod familiar ground as it took inspiration from the killer doll and killer robot subgenres often seen in the horror genre. However, thestory ofM3GAN 2.0steps further away from horror and features many similarities toTerminator 2in terms of the characters and plot points, making for another action-heavy, robot-filled adventure.
WhileTerminator 2has gone on to become one of sci-fi’s most beloved pictures,having scored a 91% rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, it doesn’t seem likeM3GAN 2.0will reach the high standard of Cameron’s film, and that isn’t a bad thing.
M3GAN 2.0 Is Basically A Remake Of James Cameron’s Terminator 2: Judgment Day
M3GAN 2.0. Is Built With Many Parts Seen In Terminator 2
LikeTerminator 2: Judgment Day,M3GAN 2.0depicts a previously villainous AI android trying to protect a woman and her child from another killer androidwho intends to rebel against humanity. This leads to the protagonists getting into high-speed chases, loud shootouts, and heart-pounding fight sequences, as seen inTerminator 2.
M3GAN’s heroic arc in the filmis also very similar to the T-800 seen inTerminator 2, learning to show compassion for others and act for the greater good while trying to protect Cady. As such,M3GAN gives her life to save the world from destruction at the hands of AMELIA, similar to how the T-800 destroys himself to prevent Judgment Day from occurring in the future.
There Are Some Key Differences Between M3GAN 2.0 & Terminator 2
M3GAN Avoids Being A Carbon Copy Of Terminator 2 In Several Ways
M3GAN 2.0has multiple distinctive traits that set it apart fromTerminator 2. On top of lacking any elements of time travel, the sequelis a campy and comedic film satirizing the modern world with a PG-13 rating, featuring plenty of gore and violence without crossing the line to an R-rating.
This approach contrasts with the R-ratedTerminator 2, which features apocalyptic imagery, over-the-top gun violence, and a much more serious tone.
Also, unlike the T-800 inTerminator 2, which is a different robot from the one inThe Terminator,M3GAN is the same character in both the first and second films of her franchise. Having survived the events ofM3GAN, she experiences tremendous growth as she continues to protect Cady following her murderous rampage in her debut picture.
She even survives her “death” at theend ofM3GAN 2.0, having created a digital backup of herself that appears on Gemma’s computer.
M3GAN 2.0 Can’t Live Up To Terminator 2
M3GAN 2.0 Isn’t As Revolutionary Or Distinctive As Terminator 2
Terminator 2is famous for its innovative computer-generated imagery, which brought the now-iconic liquid-metal T-1000 to life on the big screen. It is also famous for defying expectations bymaking the villainous T-800 a heroic guardian sent to protect John Connorinstead of killing him, reinventing theTerminatorfranchise and its story.
SinceTerminator 2already did a lot of what is featured inM3GAN 2.0,the latterdoesn’t add that fresh or groundbreaking to the world of cinema. The 2025 sequeldoes present a relevant message about the dangers of AIwhile distinctively urging its audience to take better care of it rather than destroy it. Nevertheless, the movie is meant to present a comedic and thrilling blockbuster that fans of sci-fi and action can enjoy.
The movie is well aware of its identity as a silly, over-the-top sci-fi blockbuster, and after the success of 2022’s M3GAN, the sequel relishes its reputation in a way that sets itself apart fromTerminator 2.
M3GAN 2.0may have taken several cues fromTerminator 2, but it isn’t trying to compete or be exactly like it. It simply takes what worked in Cameron’s film and puts its own spin on the story to appeal to fans of the firstM3GANfilm. The movie is well aware of its identity as a silly, over-the-top sci-fi blockbuster, and after the success of the 2022 installment, the sequel relishes its reputation in a way that sets itself apart fromTerminator 2.
