Is Cloverfield 4 Really Necessary?

The Cloverfield Paradox is NOT the final film in the series. Given the backlash of the Netflix exclusive, it’s not particularly surprising that executives opted to fire up the camera to put out another entry in the ongoing saga. However, this time, it’s being reported that Cloverfield 4 would be a direct sequel to the very first film. Considering that the entire town of Manhattan and the monster himself were wiped out by a nuke bomb, it should be interesting to know how they intend to follow up from those events.

Is Cloverfield 4 really necessary? The Cloverfield Paradox already answered most of the lingering questions surrounding the mysterious creature. 10 Cloverfield Lane was in a universe by itself, though the tacked-on ending did somewhat tie the series to the first film. The Cloverfield series is a strange one as each film takes a different perspective on the tragic events that took place in Manhattan. Does that mean it’s time to find out what happened following that shocking first ending?

The Anthology Format For The Cloverfield Series Is An Interesting Concept

I know that The Cloverfield Paradox is directly tied to the first film, but the format and story were different from the first and second. 10 Cloverfield Lane didn’t even feel like a Cloverfield movie. As previously stated, the last few minutes felt tacked on because the studio wanted to tie this film to their universe. With all that said, this anthology approach (whether intentional or not) is a really good idea. 10 Cloverfield Lane is easily the best film in the series thus far.

Each film showcases a different perspective on how humans react to the Cloverfield epidemic. 10 Cloverfield Lane was a fascinating character study that had nothing to do with the monster itself. It did add to the mythology of the series and showcased how humans can be monsters as well. It would be great if Cloverfield 4 took this approach too. Perhaps track a different group during the actual events before their untimely demise?

It can give a new perspective on the attack in Manhattan and further add to the mythology of this franchise. The problem with The Cloverfield Paradox was that it was a prequel that no one asked for. It did expand the ideology of the series, but it raised more questions in a confusing and misguided manner. Still, the deviation prevented the series from growing stale because it wasn’t repeating the same formula as the prior films.

Does Cloverfield Really Need A Follow-up?

With that said, the first entry of the series doesn’t particularly need a follow-up. Everyone died! That includes the monster, so at this point, it feels worthless to revisit those moments. Granted, you can still make a great follow-up after that horrific moment in Manhattan. There are interesting layers that the sequel can track that add dimension and complexity to what happened in the first film.

There’s also a compelling human drama aspect that can be documented like Godzilla Minus One. The trauma and grief that family and friends must deal with following the loss of their loved one can be a fun exploration into the sci-fi world. Of course, this being a direct follow-up to the first film, there does need to be the monster element that shakes up the world again. I don’t know if this is the smartest route to take, but it would be pointless to call this a Cloverfield sequel if some of the film’s core elements weren’t involved here.

Maybe the nuclear bomb failed and the Cloverfield monster didn’t die? Perhaps there is another monster that takes its place? There are options available to make sure that it’s a direct tie-in to the first film. Whether those options are good or bad depends on the writing and directing. J.J. Abrams is attached as a co-writer and his works are more hit than miss. Joe Barton is also more of a co-writer and he hasn’t particularly written something that stands out just yet. Add in that the director, Babak Anvari, who doesn’t have much experience in the blockbuster field, could end up going sideways.

Cloverfield 4 Is Intriguing So Far

I’m genuinely fascinated by how the writers approach the sequel here. There’s potential for a strong follow-up, especially with Abrams attached to write. However, it would’ve been better if Dan Trachtenberg got the opportunity to do a follow-up to 10 Cloverfield Lane. The guy has expressed interest in moving forward with Mary Elizabeth Winstead. Plus, the filmmaker has been doing well since 10 Cloverfield Lane, as he came out with the excellent Prey film as well. There are unlimited possibilities to expand the franchise in cool directions, but hopefully, it doesn’t turn out to be the same level of quality as The Cloverfield Paradox.