Zach Cregger’s upcoming horror movie Weapons has quickly become one of the most anticipated films of 2025, portraying the eerie story of 17 children disappearing from their town overnight. Jordan Peele, known for his work on Get Out, expressed strong interest in producing this film, engaging in a fierce bidding contest early in 2023 for its rights.
Weapons earned a perfect 100% rating from its first 12 critics on Rotten Tomatoes just a week before its August 8th premiere, marking it as a major success for New Line Cinema, the studio that ultimately secured its production rights. The heated competition to acquire the movie pitted Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions in partnership with Universal against Warner Bros.’ New Line Cinema, which eventually emerged victorious.
New Line Cinema Wins $38 Million Rights to Weapons After Intense Bid
The production rights to Weapons were reportedly secured by New Line Cinema for an estimated $38 million during the bidding war, outpacing Universal’s offer by roughly $7 million. Jordan Peele was reportedly prepared to contribute his backend contractual earnings to help close the deal for Universal, highlighting his determination to produce the film.
Industry reports indicate conflicting accounts following the auction: one suggests Peele was upset over losing the rights, while another claims Peele was offered a chance to match New Line’s bid but hesitated due to concerns about the film’s financial viability at such a high price. This uncertainty led to Universal and Peele stepping back from the deal.
The story at the heart of Weapons has sparked much speculation, as audiences and critics alike discuss the chilling mystery concealed within the film’s plot about the sudden disappearance of children and the reactions of their parents and teacher, portrayed by Julia Garner.
The Aftermath: Jordan Peele’s Split from Talent Managers Amid the Bidding Fallout
Following the conclusion of the bidding war, Jordan Peele reportedly parted ways with his managers Joel Zadak and Peter Principato at Artists First, though the exact reasons behind this separation remain unclear. Both Peele and Zach Cregger were represented by Principato, who had long-standing professional ties with Peele dating back to his early career as an improv comedian.
In April 2025, Zach Cregger reflected on the stressful nature of the bidding process in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying,
“It was stressful. People might think from the outside looking in that I was flinging dollar bills in the air and calling enemies and saying, ‘F— you.’ The truth of the matter was it’s a very high-pressure thing, and people were getting pissed and it was stressful. I didn’t totally get to unclench and appreciate what happened until maybe a week later when the dust settled and the adrenaline subsided.”
This tension may suggest that Peele was disappointed in his managers’ inability to secure the Weapons rights, possibly feeling they favored another client’s interests—namely Cregger’s—in the deal. Despite this, Peele maintained his relationship with his other agent, Creative Artists Agency (CAA), who also represents Cregger.
Without direct statements from those involved, the precise motivations behind Peele’s split from Artists First will likely remain a subject of industry speculation. What is clear, however, is that losing the chance to produce a film receiving such positive acclaim may be a significant professional setback for Peele.
Weapons Cast and Key Contributors
The film features a cast including Julia Garner as the teacher, Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich, Benedict Wong, Justine Gandy, and Archer Graff. Their performances contribute to the eerie atmosphere of the story, which captivates audiences around the mystery of the children’s disappearance and the community’s escalating fear and confusion.
Implications for Jordan Peele and Future Production Opportunities
The loss of Weapons in the high-profile bidding war reflects not only the financial stakes but also the competitive nature of Hollywood’s production landscape. For Jordan Peele, a filmmaker known for his distinctive voice in horror, this outcome may influence his production choices and partnerships going forward. The amicability and collaborations within his team might be under reevaluation after the split with long-term managers.
The film’s early critical success points toward a strong trajectory for New Line Cinema’s investment and could elevate both the film’s profile and Zach Cregger’s career. Meanwhile, industry watchers will be curious to observe how Peele moves past this loss while continuing to develop his signature genre projects.
