We are all familiar with killer dolls. They’ve been a mainstay in the horror genre for decades. From Chucky to Annabelle, their uncanny almost-human appearance coupled with a sadistic urge to kill makes for nerve-wracking viewing. The new movie M3GAN has been January’s surprise hit. And it incorporates a new twist on the genre. But who plays M3GAN the doll in the movie?
Before we get into that, let’s go over the premise of the movie.
M3GAN follows a young girl, Cady, after the tragic loss of her parents. After their death, Cady goes to live with her aunt Gemma, who works as a roboticist at tech company Funki.
Gemma has been working on a robot called M3GAN. M3GAN is based on an advanced artificial intelligence that is designed to be a companion and protector to young children. She is also intended to work alongside caregivers and guardians.
Cady and M3GAN bond instantly and the latter soon becomes part of the family. However, things take a scary turn when M3GAN begins to show violent impulses against humans.
While her actions are pretty terrifying in their own right, the most scary thing about M3GAN is her uncanny human-like appearance. But how is this achieved? And who plays M3GAN the Doll in the new hit movie?
Who Plays M3GAN the Doll?
M3GAN is designed to look like a real-life human girl. However, her appearance is eery thanks to her artifically smooth skin, enlarged eyes, and robotic movements.
Director Gerard Johnstone told Rolling Stone that M3GAN’s design was inspired by 50s icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. What’s more, he explains that he “wanted some ‘70s naturalism to counteract her synthetic nature, so the hair is one hundred percent Peggy Lipton.”
M3GAN’s distinctive appearance will certainly stick in the minds of viewers long after they’ve left the theatre. As it turns out, this was achieved by the use of a real-life actress and expert special effects to create the perfect eery look.
Who plays M3GAN the Doll? M3GAN is played by actress Amie Donald, who previously appeared in Netflix’s Sweet Tooth, and is voiced by Jenna Davis. However, the doll’s unique creepy look was created by adding special makeup effects to Donald’s performance.
Amie Donald’s portrayal of M3GAN is certainly key to the movie’s surprise success. M3GAN’s campy dance-moves have proven particularly meme-worthy on TikTok. And that has undoubtedly helped catapult the movie to smash box office expectations.
Hopefully M3GAN will serve as a launching pad for the young actress’ career.
Did you enjoy M3GAN? Do you think it deserves its surprise success? Let us know in the comment section below and don’t forget to check out our other Film & TV articles…
