Thescreescore – Nearly two decades after unleashing a groundbreaking, albeit divisive, sci-fi horror experience, Cloverfield, the $172 million monster movie that spawned a unique trilogy, is finding a new digital residence. This J.J. Abrams-produced, Drew Goddard-written, and Matt Reeves-directed film, which redefined the found-footage genre, centers on a group of New Yorkers whose farewell party is shattered by a monstrous attack. As chaos engulfs the city and one of their own is stranded, they embark on a perilous journey to escape.
Eighteen years after its initial critical and commercial success, Cloverfield will be available on Paramount+ beginning February 1st. The film, previously streaming on MGM+ and FuboTV, joins its spiritual successor, 10 Cloverfield Lane, which arrived on Paramount+ earlier this month.
Featuring Michael Stahl-David, Odette Yustman, T.J. Miller, Jessica Lucas, and Lizzy Caplan, Cloverfield initially captivated audiences with its innovative viral marketing campaign, shrouding the film’s plot and creature in mystery. This strategy proved highly effective, generating a global box office of $172 million against a $30 million budget.
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The film’s positive reception propelled Matt Reeves into the spotlight, leading to his current role overseeing the Robert Pattinson-led Batman universe, and kickstarted the Cloverfield anthology. This included 10 Cloverfield Lane, directed by Dan Trachtenberg, which boasts a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and the less favorably received The Cloverfield Paradox (2018).
Despite the popularity of the first two films, the anthology format has sparked debate among fans. Given the original Cloverfield‘s unresolved ending, many have longed for a more conclusive resolution. The ambiguous connections between the subsequent films and the original have also left some viewers wanting more.
The move to Paramount+ is timely, as J.J. Abrams is developing a fourth Cloverfield film, touted as a direct sequel to the original. While Reeves remains tight-lipped, Babak Anvari is set to direct, with Joe Barton penning the script.
The franchise is known for its secrecy, and the production status of the fourth film remains unclear. However, Anvari expressed his enthusiasm for the sequel’s vision in early 2025. With Abrams and Paramount’s penchant for surprise marketing, the addition of Cloverfield to Paramount+ alongside 10 Cloverfield Lane could be a strategic move to generate buzz for the upcoming installment.
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