Keke Palmer has steadily built a reputation within the horror genre, having appeared in projects like Scream Queens, Scream: The TV Series, and Jordan Peele’s film Nope. Her involvement continues with the new Peacock series The ‘Burbs, an eight-episode mystery-comedy inspired by Joe Dante’s cult classic horror-comedy featuring Tom Hanks. Palmer’s career in horror is evolving, but she has ambitions beyond her current roles.
Palmer’s Ambition to Emulate Jamie Lee Curtis
During an interview with Variety at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Palmer expressed her strong desire to expand her horror career and model it after Jamie Lee Curtis’s legacy. She envisions herself becoming a leading figure in the genre, much like Curtis, who is widely regarded as an iconic scream queen.
I would love to do MORE horror,
Palmer said emphatically.
I’m talking like my Jamie Lee Curtis girl type of vibe. Like a full-on, Neve Campbell franchise… we need number two, three, four, five, six. I would love to be like Jamie Lee. She’s the most iconic scream queen. So if I could do a Halloween type situation, I would have so much fun with that.
— Keke Palmer, Actress
Pitching a Unique Slasher Franchise
Palmer shared her creative vision for a horror franchise she hopes to develop: a Valentine’s Day-themed slasher story. She imagines a character who returns to seek revenge on men who wronged her decades ago, bringing a fresh twist to horror clichés.
A real mad ass bitch that had her heart broken in 1985, and she’s coming back to haunt all the wicked men of the day. She’s making all the men rue the day that they broke somebody’s heart. Now that’s actually good!
— Keke Palmer, Actress
Current Role in “The ‘Burbs” and Series Overview
Fans can currently watch Palmer star in The ‘Burbs on Peacock, where she appears alongside Jack Whitehall. The show follows a young couple who have moved to the husband’s childhood home in a quiet suburban neighborhood. Their lives begin to unravel when a mysterious new neighbor arrives, revealing dangerous secrets and threatening the peace of the cul-de-sac.
Impact and Future Prospects in Horror
Keke Palmer’s ambition to become a major figure in horror highlights her readiness to take on more serious, chilling roles that echo the influence of Jamie Lee Curtis and Neve Campbell. By envisioning herself as a franchise lead, Palmer is positioning to craft a lasting identity within the genre. Her creative ideas, such as the Valentine’s Day slasher, suggest she wants to bring fresh, unsettling stories to the screen. As The ‘Burbs continues to stream on Peacock, audiences can witness her expanding range, while fans eagerly await her next horror projects.
Keke Palmer says she would “love to do more horror” and “love to be like Jamie Lee Curtis” as she pitches her new Valentine’s Day horror movie. #SpiritAwards pic.twitter.com/NsjzrNH4dN
— Variety (@Variety) February 15, 2026
