Cloverfield 3: God Particle possibly heading directly to Netflix

Starring David Oyelowo, Daniel Bruhl, and Elizabeth Debicki

(Paramount)

Both Cloverfield movies have had mysterious releases. The first movie in the series was preceded by an untitled teaser that merely featured JJ Abrams name and a release date. The second — 10 Cloverfield Lane — was only announced a month before release.

The presumed third Cloverfield movie, titled God Particle, has already had a particular odd trajectory, thanks mainly to an ever-changing release date.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Abrams-produced instalment may never actually reach cinemas, instead dropping directly onto Netflix.

The streaming service are reportedly in talks with Paramount, the studio behind God Particle, and are hoping to make a deal to release the movie.

Paramount has previously made a deal with Netflix, who will release the upcoming Alex Garland-directed movie, Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman and Oscar Isaac.

The publication notes that Paramount chairman Jim Gianopulos has been looking at the studio’s upcoming release schedule and deciding what is — and is not — theatrical.

Both former Cloverfield movies were particularly successful at the box office, having small budgets but making large amounts of money back.

However, the upcoming third movie — which was tentatively titled Cloverfield Station — had a bigger budget ($40 million compared to $25 million) — and features a better-known cast (David Oyelowo, Daniel Bruhl, Elizabeth Debicki).

THR says Abrams was expected to return for post-production as ‘the movie needed some work’ but has been unable to after signing with LucasFilm to write and direct Star Wars: Episode IX.

Netflix, Paramount, and Abrams have not commented on God Particle, which is expected 20 April either in cinemas or online.