Violet McGraw Is All Grown Up—and So Is Cady
There’s nothing quite like the electricity of premiere day—especially when you’re stepping back into the world of one of horror’s most iconic new franchises. As Violet McGraw returns as Cady in M3GAN 2.0, we caught up with her while she got ready for the big night. From choosing the perfect skirt to blasting Taylor Swift in the dressing room, Violet gave us a peek behind the scenes of her glam routine, premiere day rituals, and what this sequel means to her.
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up on a premiere day?
The first thing I do is have breakfast. I usually like to have waffles or pancakes and a side of bacon.
How did you land on today’s glam and outfit?
Today’s outfit was definitely collaborative. I love my Stylist Veronica and she always listens when I have an opinion about what I want. I knew I wanted a big fun skirt of some sort or dress WTH a big skirt and Veronica sent me some ideas and then we landed on this big Christian Siriano skirt and honestly, I couldn’t be more excited to wear it tonight. As far as the glam, Robert and Doug have been doing my makeup and hair for awhile so they send me Inspo pictures and together with Veronica we like to create a story.
Do you have any beauty or skincare products you always use before a big event?
I try to keep my skincare pretty routine and I don’t like to change things up before the day of an event and these are the products that I use for a nice refreshing start. I go in with the tower 28 spray, then I use the bubble eye cream and then I use the Tatcha moisturizer. It preps my skin and makes me feel extra dewy and glowy.
What’s something fans might not know about what goes into getting red carpet-ready?
We like to plan for 2 hours. We don’t really need it, but we like to chill out and talk and we don’t like to feel rushed. I always try to wear something comfortable and that either buttons or zips, so when it’s time to get ready I don’t mess my hair and makeup. Oh and never put your shoes on until the last minute.
What does this M3GAN sequel mean to you personally?
Oh my gosh, being back as Cady for M3GAN 2.0 is just so special to me! This sequel feels like coming home to a family, you know? Working with Allison Williams, Amie Donald, and the whole crew again was such a blast—they’re like my second family now. M3GAN was such a huge part of my life, and getting to dive back into Cady’s world, especially now that she’s a bit older and tougher, was so exciting. I’ve grown up a lot since the first film, and I feel like I got to bring some of that into Cady’s story, which made it super personal for me. Plus, seeing how much fans loved the first movie and all the crazy M3GAN Halloween costumes? It’s wild to be part of something that means so much to people. I’m just so grateful to be back, and I hope everyone loves this bigger, crazier adventure as much as I do.
What’s playing in your dressing room while you get ready?
I am mostly playing Taylor Swift (shocker, I know), Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, Olivia Rodrigo and Tate McRae
How do you stay grounded before stepping onto the carpet?
I just try to remember that this is just one moment in life and to have fun with it. My mom used to always tell me, just be yourself. I was so myself at the Doctor Sleep premiere when I was 7, I literally rapped the Sofia the First into song on the carpet.{laughs}
Without giving too much away, how is M3GAN 2.0 leveling things up from the first film?
I can tell you that the stakes are way higher this time around. Cady’s a bit older now, dealing with teenage life, and you’ll see her navigating some intense new challenges. The story dives deeper into the whole AI world, with bigger action, crazier tech, and some super wild moments that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. M3GAN herself? Let’s just say she’s got some upgrades that make her even more… M3GAN. It’s flashier, funnier, and packs a punch, but still keeps that creepy, campy vibe we all loved from the first film. Get ready for a ride!
What was your favorite moment on set this time around?
My favorite moment was definitley getting to do my own stunts and getting to learn Aikido. It was always so exciting and fun when I would get to put the harness on and get to do wire work. I loved all the action in this movie that I got to participate in. It was so much fun.
If you had your own high-tech AI bestie like M3GAN, what would you want it to do for you on a premiere day?
Okay, don’t judge, but I would have her go to the bathroom for me. Having to go the bathroom on premiere days is always so inconvenient, especially if you are wearing a big skirt like I am.
As the final touch of lip gloss is applied and the last hairpin secured, Violet is ready to hit the carpet—channeling confidence, gratitude, and just the right amount of sparkle (thanks to a little Tatcha and a lot of heart). For fans of M3GAN, tonight marks the return of a cult favorite. But for Violet, it’s also a full-circle moment—proof that growing up doesn’t mean leaving the magic behind, especially when you’re stepping into it in a skirt by Christian Siriano.
