Jordan Peele’s Highly Anticipated Horror Film Removed from Universal’s 2026 Release Schedule

Universal Pictures has pulled Oscar-winning filmmaker Jordan Peele’s untitled fourth directorial project from its October 2026 release calendar, marking another significant delay for the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2022 hit “Nope.” While the news initially broke on September 2-3, 2025, continued coverage and industry analysis of the decision emerged today as film industry publications assess the implications of the delay.

Production Delays Continue to Impact Peele’s Next Project

Jordan Peele’s fourth film as a director appears to be experiencing more extensive delays than initially anticipated. Universal Pictures has officially removed the project from its release schedule, where it was previously slated for an October 2026 opening. According to sources familiar with the project, Peele is currently working on the film, though production has not yet commenced.

The journey of this unnamed horror thriller has been marked by multiple postponements. Originally scheduled to open during Christmas 2024, the film was first pushed back following the industry-wide guild strikes that affected Hollywood production in 2023. The project was then rescheduled for Halloween 2026, but even that timeline has now been abandoned as Universal removes it entirely from their calendar.

Despite the production delays, details about the film’s plot remain characteristically secretive, as is typical with Peele’s directorial efforts. The project has been categorized as a horror thriller, maintaining the filmmaker’s established genre focus. In a 2024 appearance on the “Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend” podcast, Peele expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I do feel like my next project is clear to me, and I’m psyched that I have another film that, you know, could be my favorite movie if I make it right”.

Monkeypaw Productions Maintains Active Schedule Despite Delay

While Peele’s directorial return faces uncertainty, his production company Monkeypaw Productions continues to deliver content to audiences. Universal Pictures is preparing to release the Peele-produced sports horror film “Him” on September 19, 2025. This psychological thriller, directed by Justin Tipping, represents a unique blend of sports drama and horror elements that has generated considerable anticipation within the industry.

“Him” stars Marlon Wayans in a dramatic role as a legendary quarterback who mentors a promising young football player, portrayed by Tyriq Withers. The film’s cast also includes Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, comedian Jim Jefferies, and hip-hop artists Guapdad 4000 and Tierra Whack, both making their feature film debuts. The project originated from a highly regarded Black List script by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, the creators behind the sci-fi series “Limetown”.

Early industry buzz surrounding “Him” has been particularly positive, with critics praising Wayans for what appears to be an unexpected dramatic performance. The film’s premise explores the dark costs of pursuing excellence in professional athletics, with supernatural elements woven throughout the narrative. Industry observers have noted the film’s potential to continue Monkeypaw Productions’ track record of successful horror productions, following the critical and commercial success of “Get Out,” “Us,” “Candyman,” and “Nope.”

Industry Impact and Future Implications

The removal of Peele’s film from Universal’s schedule reflects broader challenges facing the film industry as it continues to recover from the impacts of the 2023 strikes. The decision suggests that both the filmmaker and studio are prioritizing quality over meeting predetermined release dates, a approach that aligns with Peele’s reputation for meticulous filmmaking.

Universal Pictures has declined to comment on the situation, and representatives for Peele did not immediately respond to requests for statements regarding the delay. This silence is consistent with the filmmaker’s preference for maintaining secrecy around his projects until he is ready to share details with the public.

The delay also highlights the competitive nature of release scheduling in Hollywood, where studios must balance multiple high-profile projects while ensuring optimal market conditions for each film’s success. Universal’s decision to remove the film entirely from their calendar, rather than simply moving it to another date, suggests that significant additional time may be needed for development or production.

Conclusion

While Jordan Peele’s fans will have to wait longer for his next directorial effort, the filmmaker’s continued involvement in horror cinema through Monkeypaw Productions ensures his creative influence remains active in the industry. The upcoming release of “Him” provides audiences with a Peele-produced experience that maintains his commitment to innovative storytelling within the horror genre. As the industry continues to navigate post-strike recovery, the delay of major projects like Peele’s untitled film reflects the ongoing adjustments studios and filmmakers are making to ensure quality and commercial viability in an evolving entertainment landscape.