In a turn of events as shocking as those in the movie itself, Cloverfield is getting a sequel.
Well, it’s not quite a sequel. Per a statement he made to Collider, J.J. Abrams, whose production company Bad Robot is behind the film, 10 Cloverfield Lane will be more of a “blood relative” to the original. What is undeniable, though, is that Abrams intended for this type of reaction to the project. It was originally announced in 2014 under the name Valencia, with Dan Trachtenberg directing and John Goodman and Mary Elizabeth Winstead starring, but it appears that the title of the film was always a ploy. “We wanted to hold back the title for as long as possible,” Abrams’ statement said.
The trailer premiered in screenings of Michael Bay’s Benghazi-themed thriller 13 Hours and boy, is it creepy. Tommy James’ “I Think We’re Alone Now” plays over blithe images of Goodman, Winstead, and John Gallagher Jr.’s characters seemingly enjoying their time in a cozy home … but the song takes on disturbing new meaning as it becomes clear that two of the three are being held in the shelter violently and against their will by the third. Things devolve into pure horror after that.
10 Cloverfield Lane is slated for release on Mar. 11.