Cloverfield 2 is generating buzz with a recent update from its rumored director. Although the sequel, currently untitled, is expected to be a direct follow-up to the original 2008 found footage monster flick, it is part of a broader universe that includes the loosely connected films 10 Cloverfield Lane from 2016 and The Cloverfield Paradox from 2018. In 2022, news broke that Babak Anvari, the director behind Under the Shadow, would helm the project, with a script by Joe Barton, the creator of Black Doves. However, information has been sparse since then.
In a recent chat with Liam Crowley from ScreenRant at SXSW, Anvari discussed Cloverfield 2 while promoting his thriller Hallow Road featuring Rosamund Pike. When asked about the sequel, he humorously remarked, “If I tell you, I may get [shot] by snipers“, alluding to the notorious secrecy surrounding the franchise. Despite not revealing any details, he shared his admiration for the original film, mentioning that he “watched it twice in the theater.” Here’s what he had to say:
If I tell you, I may get [shot] by snipers. They’re all there. So, sadly, I cannot divulge anything. [What is my relationship with Cloverfield?] I loved the first one. I watched it twice in the theater, and it was so good. I love tension, so it’s a very stressful watch, and I love that.
What This Means For Cloverfield 2
Anvari May Still Be Involved
The Cloverfield movies have always thrived on secrecy prior to launch. This started with the first film, which featured one of Hollywood’s earliest viral marketing strategies, involving an interactive scavenger hunt for clues hidden in online platforms. The release strategy took a bold step forward with The Cloverfield Paradox, which had its debut unveiled in a Super Bowl ad just hours before it went live on Netflix.
The Cloverfield marketing campaign featured Myspace pages seemingly crafted by the characters in the film and a clue-filled corporate website for a fictional drink called Slusho.
Given this history, it’s not surprising that Anvari couldn’t share specific details about his role in the project. As of now, he has no other announced films on his slate, which implies that his involvement is likely still intact. His evasiveness on the subject also hints at continued association, because if he had walked away from the film, that would likely not be kept under wraps.
Our Take On Babak Anvari’s Cloverfield Update
Very Little Is Known About What The Movie Could Be
These remarks suggest that the long-awaited Cloverfield sequel might indeed be progressing, but the time elapsed since Anvari’s initial involvement could indicate that the project may have undergone some adjustments. It’s feasible that what was once referred to as Cloverfield 2 could evolve into another standalone spinoff. Nevertheless, previous entries in the series were adapted from unrelated scripts with franchise elements woven in, rather than being developed explicitly, so this remains uncertain.