M3GAN 2.0 doubles the trouble when it comes to its robotic leads. Joining the тιтular sᴀssy doll in the Gerald Johnstone-directed sequel is AMELIA, (short for Autonomous Military Engagement Logistics and Infiltration Android), built from M3GAN’s original design and specifically tailored to carry out military operations. Ahsoka star Ivanna Sakhno brings her to life.

Sakhno is no stranger to getting her hands dirty in big-budget productions. Her filmography includes action-adventure тιтles like Pacific Rim Uprising and The Spy Who Dumped Me. She continued to polish her action skillset on the streaming screen within the galaxy far, far away, portraying the sinister Shin Hati in Ahsoka season 1, a role that she will reprise in the sophomore installment.

ScreenRant‘s Liam Crowley spoke with Sakhno to discuss how she embodied the unique physicality of AMELIA as well as what could be in store for the AI animatronic in future installments.

Sakhno Found Spirituality Within AMELIA’s Physicality

“My Movement Coach Introduced Me To Tai Chi…”

Sakhno’s task within M3GAN 2.0 was a unique endeavor. She regularly maintained a ᴅᴇᴀᴅpan expression, as AMELIA is a soulless artificial intelligence, but it was her specific movement that successfully sold her robotic nature.

“There are some interesting aspects to creating her physicality, and it’s all thanks really to the team,” Sakhno said. “We had some really wonderful people like my movement coach Luke, who is very, very intentional and also, in a way, spiritual. He goes about creating an AMELIA in a very spiritual way. So he introduced Tai Chi to me and the gift of understanding where to put your energy and what operates, what really leads your body.”

Bringing that spirituality to AMELIA came with a specific set of instructions as well. Sakhno revealed that her bodily movements all began with her breath work.

“A lot of it was in holding your breath in certain places in your body and also feeling grounded in the stillness,” Sakhno continued. “And also there are some really fun parts in the movement of the neck and the delay of the eyes after. It’s like all those things were really fun to play around with.”

Will AMELIA Return In Future M3GAN Installments?

“If AMELIA Is Meant To Exist Again, I’m Only Happy To Do It…”

Blumhouse’s work with M3GAN is just beginning. The solo flick expanded into a multi-genre franchise with this sequel, and next year it expands into a cinematic universe with the SOULM8TE spin-off. When asked if AMELIA would factor into those expansion plans, Sakhno ᴀssured me that she is a phone call away.

“The M3GAN Universe seems to take a new genre every time they’re making a new film,” Sakhno continued. “So who knows? Maybe it is going to be like a little romantic comedy or whatever. Love story of M3GAN and AMELIA, or AMELIA finding a soulmate. Jason Blum, I hope he sees that because I’m all ready to dance. We have Amie (Donald), who is ready to also guide me into that world. So Jason, please. I’m here. I’m ready.”

Check out our other interviews with Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, and Gerard Johnstone here.

Source: ScreenRant Plus