Cloverfield sequels will be released theatrically by Paramount

Although The Cloverfield Paradox was presented through Netflix, Paramount will release the series’ future installments theatrically.

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Due to the internet’s wide reach, most production houses try to market their movies by creating numerous promos, thereby leaking some amazing reveals that should’ve been saved for the theater. However, J.J. Abrams’s Cloverfield series has managed to avoid this trope time and time again. While The Cloverfield Paradox‘s Netflix release might’ve allowed fans to experience the apocalypse from their homes, they’ve to take a trip to the theater to see where the monsters will strike next.

The franchise began its journey in 2008 with Cloverfield, which was marketed via a viral campaign that went to great lengths to even reveal the name of the movie. 8 years later, it was followed up with an equally secretive sequel called 10 Cloverfield Lane, that tied in with beverage companies and created fake ones to further the illusion. Although The Cloverfield Paradox took it to the next level by launching its first trailer during the Super Bowl and releasing the movie right after the game, The Wrap has revealed that it was only a one-off deal with Netflix to continue the franchise’s odd format for promotion.

"“Paramount Pictures still plans to release future installments in producer J.J. Abrams’ Cloverfield series despite offloading The Cloverfield Paradox to Netflix for digital release. That includes the studio’s upcoming WWII-set Overlord, which the studio has set for theatrical release on October 26 and that one insider confirmed will be the fourth installment of the sci-fi horror series. The deal between Netflix and Paramount for The Cloverfield Paradox was a one-off that makes the film immediately profitable.”"

The movies’ marketing tactics has been an integral part of the franchise as it has prevented audiences and critics from presupposing anything about the plot or getting over-excited regarding certain aspects of the film. However, this process has backfired with The Cloverfield Paradox as the movie was lambasted for its muddled plot and a poor attempt at demystifying the Cloververse. Nevertheless, as the franchise is going forward with Overlord and many more future installments, it might be a good idea to approach it rather traditionally.

How will The Cloverfield Paradox affect the rest of the franchise?

Those who’re familiar with J.J. Abrams’s storytelling style will certainly know about his mystery box theory, where he deliberately leaves out certain plot-points in order to increase the audience’s interest to peek behind the curtain. Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Lane had implemented this theory by focusing on the aftermath rather than the origin of the monsters itself. However, as The Cloverfield Paradox decided to open this metaphorical box in a rather lazy fashion, it not only made the movie dissatisfying, but also reduced the allure of the franchise.

Considering how The Cloverfield Paradox has suggested the existence of a multiverse, the series has lost its ability to surprise audiences by introducing their movies like little pieces of a bigger puzzle. In addition to that, as this recent installment normalized the bizarreness of a sentient hand, Overlord‘s premise about Allied forces fighting Nazis might not sound so interesting, given how everything is possible in this universe. So, as Paramount has decided to release the future Cloverfield movies theatrically, the marketing team should consider promoting them with regular teasers and trailers, at least until the negative effect of The Cloverfield Paradox subsides.

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With Overlord releasing on October 26th and many more installments to come, the possibilities to expand this universe are endless. However, since the IP has taken a nasty hit, this might be the appropriate time for the franchise to reassess its strategy and create one of the best series of modern cinema.

The Cloverfield Paradox is currently streaming on Netflix.

What are your thoughts on the Cloverfield franchise? Let me know in the comments.