newcloverfield.jpg

A new Cloverfield movie is in the works with director Babak Anvari tapped to helm, according to Deadline. As with any Cloverfield pic, plot details are being kept under wraps. It also is unknown how this new installment will link to its predecessors, whether its straight sequel to the original or an anthology piece that is set in the Cloverfield universe.

The original Cloverfield movie, directed by Matt Reeves, was released to frenzied expectations, which propelled it towards a solid $40 million opening back in January 2008. It ended up grossing over $170 million worldwide against a reported budget of $25 million.

The next installment is currently in development at Paramount Pictures and will be the fourth chapter in the experimental sci-fi series. The first film, 2008’s “Cloverfield,” was a found footage alien invasion movie that became a sleeper hit. The second chapter, 2016’s “10 Cloverfield Lane,” modified an existing script to fit within the “Cloverfield” universe and became a commercial and critical hit, anchored by strong performances from Mary Elizabeth Winstead and John Goodman. The third installment, 2018’s space thriller “The Cloverfield Paradox,” was widely panned but gained notoriety as Netflix announced the project during the Super Bowl, confirming that fans would be able to watch it immediately after the game.

This new installment is the first time Paramount has announced a new Cloverfield film as being in development; prior sequels 10 Cloverfield Lane (2016) and The Cloverfield Paradox, which ended up premiering on Netflix in 2018, were developed as properties with different titles and were not unveiled as Cloverfield pics until the trailers premiered.

Anvari is best known for his Persian language horror film Under the Shadow. He also directed the high-concept thriller Wounds, and most recently directed the Netflix crime thriller I Came By. J.J. Abrams is producing from Bad Robot, along with Hannah Minghella and Jon Cohen. Bryan Burk, Matt Reeves, and Drew Goddard will executive produce.