Cloverfield (franchise)

Cloverfield is an American anthology media franchise created and produced by J. J. Abrams consisting of three films, viral marketing websites linking the films together and a tie-in manga to the first film titled Cloverfield/Kishin (2008). Cloverfield is a found footage monster horror film released on January 18, 2008, which was well-received by critics. 10 Cloverfield Lane, a spiritual sequel to the first film, is a psychological thriller film that was released on March 11, 2016, and like its predecessor received positive reviews from critics. A third film in the series, God Particle, is currently scheduled for a 2017 release.

In March 2016, Abrams talked about having come up with an idea of what they could do next with the Cloververse franchise, and that if they have the chance to make it, "could be really cool that connects some stories." Trachtenberg said he considers the ideas of doing a direct sequel to 10 Cloverfield Lane or another standalone Cloverfield movie as equally valid.

The first film the series, released in 2008, is a found-footage monster horror film directed by Matt Reeves, produced by J. J. Abrams and Bryan Burk, and written by Drew Goddard. Before settling on an official title, the film was marketed as 01-18-08. The film, which is presented as found footage shot with a home camcorder, follows six young New York City residents fleeing from a gigantic monster that attacks the city while they are having a farewell party. The film was well received by critics and grossed over $170 million at the box office against a $25 million budget.