Digital Cover: Violet McGraw
Talent: Violet McGraw
Photos: Andrea Fremiotti
Makeup + Hair: Amanda Wilson
Stylist: Veronica Graye
Words: Juri Watanabe
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Digital Layout: KMG Studio
At just 14 years old, Violet McGraw has already carved out a place for herself in the heart of Hollywood with a poise and presence well beyond her years. From her breakout role in The Haunting of Hill House to captivating audiences in the hit thriller M3GAN, Violet’s performances are marked by emotional depth and magnetic screen presence. But beyond the spotlight, she’s a thoughtful, grounded young actress navigating the industry with authenticity and grace.
In this exclusive feature, we step behind the scenes with Violet to talk about reprising her role as Cady in M3GAN 2.0, explore her journey from child star to rising force, the roles that shaped her, and what’s next on the horizon for one of the most promising talents.
M3GAN quickly became a cultural phenomenon. What was your reaction when you saw how fans responded to the character and the film?
Oh my gosh, it was wild! When I saw how much people loved M3GAN, especially her iconic dance, I was just blown away. I remember scrolling through TikTok and seeing all these fans recreating her moves or making memes—it was so cool! It made me super happy to see everyone having fun with it. I mean, who knew a creepy AI doll would become such an icon? It’s been amazing to see how much love the movie got, and it makes me so grateful to be part of it.
How has your relationship with the character Cady evolved between the first and second M3GAN films? Do you relate to her in any way?
Playing Cady in the first M3GAN was intense because she was dealing with so much grief after losing her parents. I really had to dig deep to show her sadness and anger. In M3GAN 2.0, Cady’s a bit older and she’s more rebellious, figuring out who she is while still dealing with her past. It’s been fun exploring how she’s grown, and I relate to her in how she’s trying to find her place in the world. I mean, being a teenager is already such a rollercoaster, right? I love how strong she’s becoming, even with all the crazy AI stuff going on around her.
As someone who started acting at such a young age, how do you balance school, friendships, and work?
It’s definitely a juggle! I do a lot of my schoolwork online or with tutors when I’m on set, which helps me stay on track. For friendships, I try to keep in touch with all my friends, especially when I’m working. FaceTime is great and I have friends, that no matter what time zone I’m in, they’re willing to call. Work can be busy, but I make time for my other passions, like soccer or just chilling with my family. My parents have never let us go from project to project to project for that reason alone, balance.
Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment from filming M3GAN 2 that really stuck with you—whether funny, spooky, or emotional?
Okay, I can’t spill too much, but one of my favorite moments was filming a scene with Aristotle Athari. He’s hilarious, and we had this super fun moment on set that had everyone cracking up. I won’t say what happened, but let’s just say it was such a blast working with him. It felt like a big family reunion being back with the cast and crew in New Zealand. Honestly, the set is never as spooky as the movie—there’s always someone making you laugh between takes.
You’ve worked in both film and television—do you have a preference, and what do you find unique about each format?
I love both! Film is awesome because you get to dive deep into one big story, and there’s something magical about seeing it all come together on the big screen. Like, M3GAN felt so epic in theaters. TV is really cool too, but I haven’t really done traditional tv. Like my role in Haunting of Hill House, I feel that was like a longer movie. Although, even at 6, I started to understand my character more and more after each episode. Film feels like a sprint, while TV is more like a marathon—both are fun in their own way, so I don’t think I can pick a favorite
Is there a dream role or genre you’d love to explore next, something completely different from horror?
I’d love to try a comedy or maybe a big adventure movie, like something in the Harry Potter world—that would be so cool! Horror’s been amazing, but I think it’d be fun to do something totally different, like a feel-good movie where I get to make people laugh or inspire them.
How do you stay grounded and take care of yourself mentally and emotionally with such a busy and high-profile career?
My family keeps me grounded—especially my sister Madd. She’s always there to talk me through things or just make me laugh. I also love playing soccer; it’s a great way to clear my head. When I’m not working, I try to do normal kid stuff, like hanging out with friends or watching movies. My mom and dad also help me stay balanced, and I make sure to take breaks to just chill. Acting is my passion, but my parents know and remind me I need to be a kid and take care of myself too.
What has been the biggest surprise for you about working in the film industry?
Honestly, I thought it’d be all serious and glamorous, but it’s way more like a big, creative team effort. Everyone’s so friendly—joking around, sharing ideas, and working hard to make something amazing. I didn’t expect to make such great friends or have this much fun on sets.
You’ve worked alongside some talented actors—has anyone given you a piece of advice that you carry with you today?
i have been so lucky with the people I have gotten to work with. I would have to say the most consistent thing actors tell me is to trust my instincts. Trusting yourself helps to make the character your own. My sister Maddy also reminds me to be a good listener, that’s actually so helpful for getting into character, especially for emotional scenes like Cady’s. It’s such simple advice, but it makes a huge difference.
What do you hope audiences take away from M3GAN 2—not just in terms of the scares, but the story and themes?
I hope people feel the thrills and have fun with the scares, but also think about the deeper stuff, like how we deal with technology and family. M3GAN 2.0 dives even more into AI and what it means for Cady and Gemma as they navigate their lives after the first movie. I want audiences to feel Cady’s strength and see how she grows, maybe even relate to her struggles. It’s a wild ride, but there’s a lot of heart in it too, and I hope that sticks with people when they leave the theater. GR8T
Follow Violet McGraw Instagram: @violetmcgraw