A fan theory connects John Carpenter's The Thing to 2018's Annihilation, suggesting a secret sequel with cosmic enemies and DNA manipulation. - eviltoast

The Shimmer in Annihilation may have been sent to Earth to root out the shapeshifting alien from The Thing, disrupting its replication.

Despite some plot holes, the theory that Annihilation is linked to The Thing adds connective tissue between two films with invasive and adaptable alien species.