Horror enthusiasts have begun expressing disappointment as Jordan Peele’s next film faces delays, disrupting expectations for the famed director’s continued impact in the genre. Since launching his horror career with the 2017 hit Get Out, Peele has crafted a reputation with films like Us in 2019 and Nope in 2022, all released through Universal Pictures, his established home studio. His fourth film, currently untitled, was initially scheduled to premiere on October 23, 2026, but recent developments have raised uncertainties about this timeline.
The absence of Peele’s new project from Universal Pictures’ official 2026 release calendar signals possible further postponements. Unlike the presence of other untitled projects— including a Steven Spielberg-directed event film and an untitled Blumhouse movie—Peele’s film does not appear anywhere in the upcoming schedule. Variety confirmed the film‘s removal from the lineup, yet neither Peele nor Universal Pictures has provided official comments regarding the change or a revised release date.
Background of Previous Delays and Potential New Release Windows
This is not the first time the film’s release has been shifted. Initially set for December 25, 2024, the film’s premiere was postponed due to industry-wide disruptions from the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) and SAG-AFTRA strikes. The October 2026 date would have marked a significant four-year gap since Nope, Peele’s last directorial effort. If Universal opts to delay the release further—possibly into 2027—the interval between Peele’s third and fourth films could extend to five years, an unusually long wait for fans awaiting his next major work.
Strategic Considerations Behind Adjusting the Release Date
One possible reason for reconsidering the October 23, 2026 date is its clash with M. Night Shyamalan’s supernatural thriller Remain, which is also slated to premiere that weekend. As both Peele and Shyamalan hold considerable stature in the horror and thriller genres, Universal Pictures may want to avoid splitting audience attention and box office revenue between two major releases occurring simultaneously.
There is speculation that Universal might reschedule Peele’s film for March 13, 2026—a Friday the 13th—an iconic date for horror movies. This slot is currently reserved for an untitled Blumhouse project, originally intended to be an Exorcist sequel directed by Mike Flanagan, which now appears uncertain. Historically, Peele’s films have performed well in March; for example, Us earned approximately $256 million globally after its spring release, suggesting that the proposed date could be highly beneficial for box office success.
Upcoming Projects from Jordan Peele and His Production Brand
While Peele’s directorial work faces delays, Universal will release Him on September 19, 2025, a horror film produced by Peele’s Monkey’s Paw production company. Directed by Justin Tipping and starring Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, and Julia Fox, Him carries Peele’s signature brand identity despite his non-involvement as director. This branding strategy echoes the marketing approach used for Get Out and Us, leveraging Peele’s reputation to attract audiences seeking intelligent horror with socially relevant themes.
The producer’s involvement in projects like Him demonstrates Peele’s growing influence as a curator of contemporary horror, impacting both storytelling and theater attendance. Industry observers and theater owners hope that Him will strengthen the early fall box office, signaling continued enthusiasm for Peele-associated content even as fans await his next personal directorial release.
