Marvel Meeting With The Biggest Horror Director Working Today?
Jordan Peele recently had a meeting with Marvel Studios. Obviously, this has sparked a flurry of speculation about which project the acclaimed comedian and horror director might helm. While that info has yet to be disclosed, this news has already ignited conversations among fans and industry observers alike.
Jordan Peele Went From Comedian To In-Demand Director
Jordan Peele is known for his distinctive voice in horror and social commentary, as well as his sketch comedy skits with Keegan-Michael Key in the duo series Key & Peele, and now he’s reportedly about to add Marvel director to the list. The specifics of the project remain under wraps, leading the details to the imaginations of fans worldwide. While it was just an initial meeting, this development suggests that Peele may be considering a venture into the high-stakes world of IP filmmaking, a first for the auteur.
A Series Of Horror Classics
Long-time fans were first introduced to Jordan Peele with the series Key & Peele in 2012, but the director/actor became a household name with the critically acclaimed Get Out in 2017, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. The film’s success established Jordan Peele as a formidable talent in Hollywood, so it’s no surprise Marvel wants to make him one of their own.
It’s possible the director would be up for the change because while his follow-up, Us, was a commercial success, it received a more mixed critical response, and his most recent film, Nope, though ambitious, marked his lowest-grossing movie, despite its high production costs.
A Less Stellar Record As A Producer
Peele’s ventures as a producer have also seen varied results. The HBO series Lovecraft Country, which he produced, was canceled after one season. His reboot of The Twilight Zone failed to make a significant impact, and the Nia DaCosta-directed Candyman, which Peele co-wrote and produced, barely broke even at the box office. Jordan Peele teaming up with a tentpole studio like Marvel might be exactly what the director needs at this point in his career.
Marvel Tries To Entice Award-Winning Directors
Marvel Studios, known for its lucrative franchises and blockbuster hits, has been successful in attracting top-tier talent. Directors like Ryan Coogler and Barry Jenkins have found opportunities within the MCU, and Jordan Peele’s potential involvement with Marvel suggests he might be considering a similar path. The allure of working within the MCU’s well-oiled machine, coupled with the financial incentives, is a tempting offer.
Jordan Peele With No Studio Overisght Would Be Amazing
Still, the news of Jordan Peele’s meeting with Marvel raises questions about the future of his next directorial project. Initially slated for a December 25, 2024 release, the untitled film was quietly removed from Universal’s release schedule, likely influenced by the impact of the 2023 industry strikes. Whether Peele will prioritize this project, pivot to a Marvel film, or try to balance both remains to be seen.
Jordan Peele’s meeting with Marvel Studios is a tantalizing prospect for fans of both the filmmaker and the MCU. As speculation continues to grow, the potential collaboration could mark a significant shift in Peele’s career, blending his unique storytelling style with the expansive and lucrative world of superhero cinema.
