By Ron Wynn
NASHVILLE, TN — Jordan Peele’s return to the horror genre will be this summer, but a new trailer is now available online that showcases his latest production. Universal Pictures chose last Saturday night//early Sunday morning and the eve of the Super Bowl to present the initial trailer for “Nope.” It’s Jordan Peele’s third film following on the heels of two successful efforts, “Get Out,” and “Us.”
The studio isn’t revealing many plot details. But they have confirmed that Daniel Kaluuya, who received an Oscar nomination for his lead performance in “Get Out,” would reunite with Peele, and that Keke Palmer had been cast in a key role. In addition, it’s been revealed that Steven Yeun, Barbie Ferreira, Brandon Perea and Michael Wincott have completed the main cast. Peele has also unveiled the first official poster for the film, which depicts an ominous cloud hanging over what appears to be a carnival, with a kite streamer trailing underneath.
The trailer shows Kaluuya and Palmer’s characters running a horse training ranch for Hollywood productions, Steven Yeun looks to be a rodeo ringleader of sorts, and that ominous cloud hangs over the sky. “What’s a bad miracle? We got a word for that?” Kaluuya’s character intones in a suggestive manner.
Peele’s first two films, “Get Out” and “Us,” were both highly acclaimed for their exploration of social issues, like racism and systemic inequality, through the horror genre. For “Get Out,” Peele received the Oscar for best original screenplay, and nominations for best picture and best director. Since the release of “Us” in 2019, Peele has produced numerous projects through his Monkeypaw Productions banner, including “Lovecraft Country” on HBO in 2020, and Nia DaCosta’s “Candyman” last year.
Peele serves as writer, producer and director on “Nope.” Ian Cooper also produces and Robert Graf serves as the executive producer. The film was shot using Kodak film and, in addition to regular formats, will also be released in a 65mm IMAX format. The cinematographer for “Nope” is Hoyte van Hoytema, who most recently lensed weighty science-fiction films like “Ad Astra” and “Tenet.”
“Nope” will hit theaters July 22.
