jordan peele
LOS ANGELES – In a move that has sparked widespread speculation among cinephiles and industry observers, Universal Pictures has officially removed the upcoming fourth directorial project from Oscar-winning filmmaker Jordan Peele from its release calendar. The highly anticipated film, which was most recently slated for an October 2026 debut, has been taken off the schedule entirely as the director continues development on the top-secret project. The removal of Jordan Peele’s next movie from the studio’s slate indicates that the creator is taking his time to perfect the follow-up to his 2022 sci-fi horror hit, “Nope.”
According to an individual familiar with the project who spoke with Variety, the film has yet to begin principal photography. This key detail confirms that the decision is a strategic delay to allow Peele the necessary time to refine his vision, rather than a post-production setback. Universal Pictures has declined to comment on the scheduling change, and representatives for Jordan Peele did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This level of secrecy is entirely on-brand for Peele, who has masterfully built anticipation for each of his films by shrouding their plots in mystery.
A History of Shifting Release Dates
The delay is not the first for Jordan Peele’s next movie. The project’s journey on the Universal calendar has been fluid, reflecting the filmmaker’s meticulous process and the broader impacts on the entertainment industry. Initially, the studio had earmarked a prime Christmas Day release in 2024 for the film.
However, the widespread production shutdowns caused by the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and Screen Actors Guild‐American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) strikes forced a major reassessment of schedules across Hollywood. In the wake of the strikes, the film was subsequently pushed back by over a year to a Halloween 2025 release date, a fitting spot for a film from the modern master of horror. Its most recent placement in October 2026 suggested a further extension, and its complete removal now signals that the timeline for production remains flexible.
Universal Pictures has removed Jordan Peele’s new movie from its October 2026 release calendar.
Peele is currently at work on the film, which has yet to roll cameras, an individual familiar with the project told Variety. Originally, the follow-up to his 2022 hit movie “Nope”… pic.twitter.com/sT4GSssu28
— Variety (@Variety) September 2, 2025
The Signature Peele Secrecy and a Promising Hint
As with “Get Out,” “Us,” and “Nope,” concrete details about the plot of Jordan Peele’s next movie are being guarded with extreme vigilance. The project has been broadly categorized as a horror thriller, a genre Peele has consistently redefined and elevated. Despite the lack of specifics, the writer-director has offered a tantalizing hint about his excitement for the project.
During a 2024 appearance on the “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast, Peele shared a glimpse into his creative mindset. “I do feel like my next project is clear to me, and I’m psyched that I have another film that, you know, could be my favorite movie if I make it right,” he told O’Brien. This statement has only fueled fan theories and excitement, suggesting that Peele believes he has a concept that could potentially surpass the cultural and critical success of his previous groundbreaking work.
Staying Busy: Peele’s Role as a Producer
While audiences await further news on his directorial effort, Jordan Peele has far from disappeared from the big screen. Through his Monkeypaw Productions banner, he remains an active and influential force in genre filmmaking. The next project bearing his imprint is the upcoming sports horror film, “Him,” set for release by Universal on September 19.
Produced by Peele, “Him” stars rising talent Tyriq Withers (known for “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and “Atlanta”) as a rookie football player with monumental ambitions. Veteran actor and comedian Marlon Wayans takes on a key role as a legendary quarterback who becomes a mentor to Withers’ character, ultimately revealing that achieving greatness comes at a terrifying and supernatural cost. Early buzz from industry screenings has particularly praised Wayans for delivering a powerful and unexpected dramatic performance, adding to the anticipation for the film.
What This Delay Means for Fans
The removal of Jordan Peele’s next movie from the calendar is likely a positive sign for those who value directorial artistry over rushed production schedules. Peele has established a perfect track record, with each of his three films achieving significant critical acclaim, commercial success, and deep cultural penetration. His methodical approach to filmmaking—writing, directing, and producing complex social thrillers—requires time.
For a filmmaker of his caliber, a delayed release is almost always a testament to a studio’s faith in his vision and a desire to get the project right rather than simply get it done. Universal Pictures, which has enjoyed a highly lucrative partnership with Peele, is clearly granting him the creative freedom and time he needs to develop his next iconic concept. The wait for official details on the cast, plot, and a new release date continues, but the underlying message is clear: Jordan Peele is meticulously crafting what he believes could be his magnum opus.
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