’10 Cloverfield Lane’ Landed An A-Lister For A Cameo — And Here’s How!


In what is a rarity in Hollywood, 10 Cloverfield Lane emerged from absolutely nowhere. In a world dominated by social media, leaks, and rumors, J.J. Abrams managed to keep the project a total secret from everyone. When the film was announced only months ago, it came with a trailer, footage, and a decent, if minimal, cast. People were truly stunned and excited in equal measure, and even though the film isn’t a direct sequel to 2008’s found-footage apocalypse horror Cloverfield, it stands as a spiritual successor in every way.

For a movie shrouded in secrecy, viewers have little to zero information about 10 Cloverfield Lane itself, and with the film’s release less than a week away, the details are still tightly secure. In the promotion for the film, little morsels of information are slowly being released in truly unconventional style, but none were more surprising than today’s announcement: A-list star Bradley Cooper has a role in the film.

Warning: This article contains minor spoilers for the film.

'10 Cloverfield Lane' Has Landed An A-Lister For A Cameo -- And Here's How!
Bradley Cooper (above with Jennifer Garner) and J.J. Abrams worked together on ‘Alias.’ The two have remained close ever since, and the actor now has a cameo in ’10 Cloverfield Lane’. [Image via ABC]

Bradley Cooper’s role is currently a mystery, and film goers will have to see the film to discover his role — it hasn’t been revealed on IMDb or any affiliated sites just yet. With Cooper’s career currently at its pinnacle, it’s surprising to see him associated with the movie, especially with its very secretive nature. However, Cinema Blend sat down with director Dan Trachtenberg, who is making his directorial debut with 10 Cloverfield Lane, to discuss the film and how exactly Bradley Cooper became involved. It turns out we have J.J. Abrams to thank for that.

“[Bradley Cooper] and J.J. go way back because he was on Alias. And we needed to cast a very small role. And he said, ‘I wonder if Bradley would do it.’ He reached out and he was really stoked to help us out.”

Bradley Cooper and J.J. Abrams previously worked together on the ABC show Alias, which was created by the Star Wars: The Force Awakens co-writer and director. Bad Robot (Abram’s production company) helped produce 10 Cloverfield Lane, and it’s clear from the American Sniper actor’s involvement that the two remain very close. To cast a star of his caliber in a “very small role” is no mean feat — a very welcome one for cinema goers — but it’s hardly surprising with Abram’s current status in Hollywood.

When Cloverfield dropped in 2008, critical acclaim swiftly followed, and many hope this film can expand that universe. The film stars Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World, The Thing) as Michelle, a survivor of a car accident who wakes up in an underground cellar with a fellow inhabitant, played by John Gallagher Jr. They’ve been “rescued” by the mysterious Howard Stambler (John Goodman), who informs them that the Earth’s now-inhabitable surface had been decimated by a dangerous chemical attack. Can they trust their apparent savior? Or is something more sinister going on?

'10 Cloverfield Lane' Has Landed An A-Lister For A Cameo -- And Here's How!3
The details surrounding ’10 Cloverfield Lane’ have been scarce. Bradley Cooper’s involvement will certainly up the ante and create some buzz for the release this Friday. [Image via Paramount Pictures]

The film was only announced on January 15, which has given fans less than two months to prepare for the mystery thriller. With a minimal, solid cast, 10 Cloverfield Lane really has some buzz behind it, proving once again that, without social media and leaks and constant rumors, a film can still have a big impact. Viewers are eager to see how the film connects to the original Cloverfield movie, and now they only have a few days to wait. Want a teaser? The trailer can be viewed below.

10 Cloverfield Lane is released in cinemas this Friday.

[Image via Paramount Pictures]

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