Jordan Peele’s fourth directorial project has been postponed indefinitely as Universal Pictures removed the film from its October 2026 release schedule. An insider familiar with the production revealed that the project has not yet begun filming, contributing to the delay. This unexpected change comes as the highly anticipated follow-up to Peele’s 2022 hit Nope remains shrouded in secrecy.
Initial Release Dates and Impact of Industry Strikes
The film was originally set to debut during the 2024 Christmas season but faced rescheduling after recent guild strikes, which pushed the release to Halloween 2025. Now, with the project completely off the calendar, its completion timeline remains uncertain. Universal Pictures has declined to comment on the change, while representatives for Peele have not responded to inquiries.
Limited Information About the Film’s Content
True to Peele’s style, specific plot details are still undisclosed, though the movie has been labeled as a horror thriller. On the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast earlier in 2024, Peele expressed optimism about his current project, stating,
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.
—Jordan Peele, Filmmaker
Other Projects and Industry Momentum
Despite the delay in his directorial work, Peele continues to maintain momentum within the industry. Universal plans to soon release Him, a sports horror film produced by Peele that stars Tyriq Withers as an ambitious rookie football player. Marlon Wayans takes on the role of a legendary quarterback who mentors him, revealing the dark, supernatural costs of pursuing greatness. The film is slated for theaters on September 19, and initial reactions highlight Wayans’s surprising dramatic performance.
Implications of the Delay
The postponement of Jordan Peele’s next movie underscores ongoing challenges facing Hollywood productions amid union strikes and scheduling difficulties. As the acclaimed filmmaker navigates these obstacles, audiences are left awaiting both his forthcoming directorial work and the imminent release of Him. Peele’s influence within horror cinema remains strong, and how this delay impacts his career trajectory and Universal’s release plans will be closely watched by industry observers and fans alike.
