The 'Cloverfield' Universe Is Actually Expanding

In 2008, the Cloverfield monster made its way into fans' hearts with the help of special effects and a whole lot of shaky cam. However, the J.J. Abrams film was more than just an ode to classic monster movies. With its realistic approach and mysterious ending, audiences still had questions that needed to be answered — and according to an exclusive interview with The Wrap, they will be. Paramount Pictures and Abrams' production company, Bad Robot, have confirmed that they're planning to unveil a new Cloverfield movie every year. In fact, the next chapter in the on-going science-fiction saga will come in the form of the Abrams-produced and Julius Onah-directed film, God Particle.

On its surface, God Particle doesn't sound like your typical monster movie. The Wrap describes the plot as being "about a team of astronauts who make a 'shocking discovery' and end up fighting for survival in what is described as an altered reality." But how can a team of astronauts — with the technology to go on such an expedition — be connected to the chaos fans have seen occurring on earth? Much like 10 Cloverfield Lane, God Particle could be taking place simultaneously with Cloverfield. Otherwise, this third Cloverfield movie could be the first film to provide some much-needed answers. In fact, it could very well be the prequel fans have wanted.

While the movie's events take place in New York City and the Southwest, Abrams has not actually touched upon a major fan question: Where did the Cloverfield monster come from? While fan theories have pointed toward space — and 10 Cloverfield Lane played up the idea of an alien invasion — the monster's origin has yet to be directly addressed. This would then give God Particle the room to explore the initial discovery of these other lifeforms seemingly invading the planet. And if an altered reality is going to be at play, this monster could very well be the product of another dimension. I'm getting some major Stranger Things vibes. (Demogorgon, anyone?)

However, unless the Duffer Brothers have something they're not saying, unfortunately, Abrams doesn't seem to be behind any kind of Netflix-Cloverfield crossover. Instead, despite their similarities, the two already released Cloverfield movies occur independently of one another. Which leaves God Particle to find its own way with its own cast of new characters — the stars include Chris O'Dowd, Elizabeth Debicki, David Oyelowo, Gugu Mabatha-Raw, Aksel Hennie, Ziyi Zang, John Ortiz, and Daniel Bruhl. Until fans find out more information, the theories on how God Particle will connect to Cloverfield and 10 Cloverfield Lane are just getting started.

So please excuse me while I go re-watch both Cloverfield movies for the thousandth time. God Particle is set to hit theaters on Feb. 24, 2017.

Images: Paramount Pictures; Giphy (2)