This past March, Universal set an untitled fourth film from the writer/director Jordan Peele for release on Dec. 25, 2024. A summer shoot was planned for the film, but unforeseen was an impending writers and actors strike.
We haven’t heard much of an update from the film beyond that and now comes word that Universal has removed it from its 2024 release slate. I’d be shocked if we get to see this one next year. 2025 looks more likely.
Like all projects directed by Peele, this one comes in total and utter secrecy. As with Peele’s last few, we probably won’t even know what it’s about until it gets released.
We also have no information about the cast. There have been rumors that Steven Yeun and Daniel Kaluuya were cast in this mysterious film, but it could never be corroborated with strong sourcing.
Some have theorized that it might be a sequel to “Get Out,” but I can’t see that happening, just yet. Peele had also teased last year that he wanted to make a sequel to “Nope.” I would bet that this next film is an original.
Of course, the film being yanked from Universal’s 2024 slate does not mean that it won’t begin production next year. I’ll be keeping an eye out for any further updates.
As far as I’m concerned, Peele is 3 for 3 so far in his short but impressive directing career. Yes, he hasn’t managed to replicate the zeitgeist-grabbing “Get Out,” but the man’s got chops. He has a talent for framing a shot and building atmosphere.
Last we heard from Peele, he was teaming up with Hideo Kojima for the upcoming video game, “OD.” The announcement was made at the Game Awards show in L.A. last Thursday.
Netflix and Skydance Animation have also called it quits. The two sides announced Monday that they're ending the animated film deal struck back in 2023, framing it as a mutual decision.