Back in 2022 , it had been announced that Babak Anvari (“Under the Shadow”) was going to direct a sequel to 2008’s “Cloverfield” for Paramount. It’s now been a couple years since we’ve heard anything about the project, leading many to speculate that it was not going to happen.
A few days ago, Anvari had a quick chat with Countdown City Geeks on the red carpet of his new film, “Hallow Road,” at SXSW. When asked about ‘Cloverfield 2,’ he remained tight-lipped about the project, but the hints he gave clearly indicated that the film was still happening.
“So sad that I cannot [say anything], because everyone on that team, they’re very secretive. Which I understand,” Anvari told the outlet. “But I love your excitement. And whatever happens, just know that hopefully you’re gonna get something amazing.”
It’s been 17 years since the release of Matt Reeves’ “Cloverfield.” The film, primarily shot using a handheld camera to create a found footage-style, followed six young NYC millennials fleeing from a massive monster that attacks the city during a farewell party.
While not the first film in the genre, “Cloverfield” helped revive and popularize the “found footage” style in mainstream cinema. It also inspired a wave of films that would go on to mix horror, sci-fi, and disaster genres.
The 2008 film also spawned a loosely connected universe of movies that includes the excellent, and highly underrated, “10 Cloverfield Lane” and the horrible “Cloverfield Paradox.” Up to this point, these “sequels” have been unrelated to Reeves’ 2008 film. Anvari’s film would be an actual follow-up, but for the time being, plot details have yet to be revealed.
I’m now predicting a $50M domestic opening weekend for this movie, which will only further cement Cregger’s drawing power after “Barbarian” and “Weapons.”