Jordan Peele is a multi-talented actor and director who became a star in both the comedy and horror genres. He is a visionary filmmaker who brings a fresh perspective to whatever he creates. His horror films not only scare audiences, but they also confront issues such as racism and inequality head-on.
Peele is equally talented as an actor, having honed his craft on shows like MADtv and Key & Peele. His unique voice and perspective have earned him numerous awards and nominations. These days, he continues to be a significant driving force in Hollywood.
Peele’s Start in TV
Peele got his start in the entertainment industry as part of the cast of the sketch comedy show MADtv in 2003. The show helped him gain recognition in the entertainment industry as a talented comedian and impressionist. He quickly became known for his spot-on impersonations of celebrities like Barack Obama, Morgan Freeman, and Samuel L. Jackson. His work on the show allowed him to write and produce comedy content, further showcasing his versatility and creativity.
The Success of Key&Peele
Peele joined forces with fellow comedian Keegan-Michael Key to create their own sketch comedy series, Key & Peele, which aired on Comedy Central from 2012 to 2015. The show received immense critical and commercial success through its sharp writing and subversive humor.
The sketches tackled a wide range of social issues, from race and gender to politics and pop culture, often delivering a fresh perspective on topics rarely discussed in mainstream media. The show’s popularity also helped to elevate Peele’s profile in Hollywood and paved the way for his transition into directing.
Creation of MonkeyPaw Productions
“Laws protect us but they don’t change hearts and minds. Only stories can do that.” – @SueObeidi, director of Hollywood Bureau @mpac_national.
Tap in and read all about their mission to fight anti-Muslim hate. pic.twitter.com/eQRY3fzKq0
— Monkeypaw Productions (@Monkeypaw) March 25, 2023
Peele’s production company, MonkeyPaw Productions, was founded in 2012 with the goal of creating genre-bending content that challenges traditional Hollywood norms. Peele wanted to provide a platform for underrepresented voices in the entertainment industry and promote diversity both on and off-screen.
One of the inspirations for the company’s name came from the classic horror show The Twilight Zone, which featured an episode titled “The Monkey’s Paw.” Peele’s love of horror and the macabre is evident in many of the projects produced by Monkeypaw, such as the hit horror film Get Out.
Peele’s Directorial Debut
Peele made his movie directorial debut with Get Out in 2017, a critical and commercial success that ushered in a new era of horror movies. The film tackled issues of racism and identity in a unique and unsettling way, and critics praised Peele’s direction for its clever use of horror tropes to explore deeper themes. The success of Get Out cemented Peele’s reputation in the horror genre. In 2018, The film won Peele an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.
The Reboot of The Twilight Zone
Jordan Peele’s reboot of The Twilight Zone was a highly anticipated project that premiered in 2019. Peele’s vision for the show differed from the original, specifically due to the emphasis on social commentary and further exploring contemporary issues. Each episode tackled a different theme or topic, ranging from police brutality to technology addiction. Jordan intended to challenge viewers to think critically about the world around them.
Peele’s involvement in the show went beyond just executive producing. He also served as the show’s host and narrator, providing a chilling introduction to each episode. He even provided the voice for the iconic phrase, “You’re traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind.“
The Success of Us
Peele has continued to produce and direct critically acclaimed films and TV shows, including Us. The 2019 horror film, written and directed by Jordan Peele, stars Lupita Nyong’o, Winston Duke, and Elisabeth Moss. The movie follows a family confronted by their doppelgängers while on vacation.
Peele’s attention to detail and ability to weave social commentary into his horror films is on full display in Us. In addition to the gripping plot, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, Peele’s use of music, particularly the use of the classic hip-hop track “I Got 5 on It,” has been widely praised as an ingenious way to build tension throughout the film.
Peele’s Sci-Fi/Horror Hit, Nope
In July 2022, Peele released his next horror film, Nope. In Nope, horse wrangler/trainer Otis “OJ” Haywood Jr (Daniel Kaluuya) tries to dodge the deadly attentions of whatever phenomenon is lurking in the sky, terrorizing his California ranch. Even though the Oscars snubbed Nope, its surreal sci-fi /horror extravaganza highlighted Peele’s ability to balance nuanced details.
Coming Soon For Peele
Next up for Peele is a horror thriller from Monkey Paw, which will arrive on Sept. 27, 2024. Additionally, Peele and Universal are releasing an untitled fourth film directed by the Oscar winner arriving on Dec. 25, 2024.
Peele’s Continuous Impact
Jordan Peele continues to be an ambitious and enterprising force in Hollywood through his innovative filmmaking approach and commitment to telling stories that push boundaries. His passion for tackling issues such as race, identity, and social justice guarantees that Jordan Peele will further cement his status as one of the most exciting voices in Hollywood today.