In a movie ecosystem defined by sequels and adaptations, original stories from celebrity writer/directors are less and less common. Jordan Peele, however, is keeping the tradition alive. Both his 2017 debut “Get Out” and its 2019 follow-up “Us” felt like major events, with the former boasting one of the best original screenplays of the century and the latter solidifying Peele’s reputation for ambitious and imaginative craftsmanship. Now, the release of Peele’s highly anticipated third feature “Nope” is finally upon us.
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Despite the vivid (and Spielbergian) imagery of the trailers, story details have been kept conspicuously murky. According to the official synopsis, “the plot follows the residents of an isolated town who witness a mysterious and abnormal event.” The film stars Keke Palmer and “Get Out” leading man Daniel Kaluuya as California ranchers who get caught up in this seemingly extraterrestrial nightmare. Other players include Steven Yeun (“Minari”), Michael Wincott (“The Crow”), Brandon Perea (“The OA”), and Barbie Ferreira (“Euphoria”).
The project was first announced back in 2020 and has had plenty of time to develop buzz. Cast details began to leak in early 2021, with reports that Jesse Plemons had turned down a role to instead appear in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming “Killers of the Flower Moon.” That July, the first promotional images appeared along with the film’s enigmatic title.
“Nope” is slated to drop in theaters on July 22.