Gerard Johnstone didn't intend for the M3GAN dance to take over the world

While Johnstone didn't consciously try to reignite the internet romance with M3GAN's dance, his film uses a sci-fi horror script to highlight the dangers to cling to technology as a substitute for real relationships (or, even worse, shut childcare to AI-powered toys). It's as if "M3GAN" has not only made a "breach," but has outright conquered the very culture it satirizes. While it might miss the point, one can well imagine someone sharing an M3GAN meme on social media and then relishing in all the little dopamine hits they get from the likes and shares.

While Johnstone was on set of "M3GAN", directing the film, he was much more focused on getting the shot he needed. "We were trying to use the best takes and do justice to Amie [Donald, who played M3GAN in shots that required complex moves] and the choreographer who came up with a dance," he said. p>

Finally, the dance took on a life of its own, leaving us with a cinematic moment of its time and for its time. Johnstone reflected:

"There were other dances that [M3GAN] did, and there were other moves that I wish I could have included that were just as scary. And it's funny because that we got to come back and do some mics, and for a while I campaigned to add some more shots to that dance sequence but by then the trailer was out and she did this she did, and I realized, "Oh, I don't think I need to do more. I think this is good. And the more I see it, the more I realize how it's become its own perfect little moment."

"M3GAN" is in theaters now.