Jordan Peele’s new horror movie has begun casting, andHustlersactressKeke Palmeris set to play the film’s female lead, Collider has learned.
Palmer is the first actor officially cast in the untitled film, though numerous unconfirmed reports from the blogosphere have peggedJesse PlemonsandGet Out’sDaniel Kaluuyaas the two stars of the untitled film. Sources say that Kaluuya’s deal is expected to close, but Plemons has a scheduling conflict that will preclude his participation.
Right now, Palmer’s casting is all that Collider has confirmed, and while plot details remain under wraps, sources say she’ll be playing the antagonist of the film. The actress has history with Peele, having previously made a guest appearance in a 2013 episode of his acclaimed sketch seriesKey & Peele. As for this as-yet-untitled movie, Peele wrote the script and will produce alongsideIan Cooperunder his Monkeypaw Productions banner, which has an exclusive five-year deal with Universal.Sara ScottandTony Ducretwill oversee the project for the studio, which is slated to release Peele’s latest “horror event” on July 21, 2025.
Peele won an Oscar for writingGet Out, which also earned him a Best Director nomination, as well a Best Picture nomination. Peele earned a second Best Picture nomination the following year as one of the producers ofSpike Lee’sBlacKkKlansman. His sophomore effort,Us, grossed $255 million worldwide (the same figure asGet Out), though the film proved to be a bit more divisive with critics.
Palmer is a former child star (Akeelah and the Bee) whose more recent credits include the box office hitHustlersand the acclaimed indie dramaImperial DreamsstarringJohn Boyega. Palmer is coming off the demanding Facebook seriesTurnt Up with the Taylorsas well asScream: The TV Series, and she has also wrappedKrystin Ver Linden’s upcoming slavery dramaAlice, which she executive produced as well.
Palmer currently voices Maya in the Disney+ revival ofThe Proud Familyas well as Rochelle in Netflix’s newBig MouthspinoffHuman Resourcesafter appearing in Season 5 of the animated show. She can also be heard alongsidePete Davidsonin Audible’s upcoming scripted podcastHit Job. Palmer is represented by 3 Arts Entertainment.
As a producer, Peele is responsible for HBO’sLovecraft CountryandThe Twilight Zonereboot for CBS All Access. He also producedCandymanfor Universal, where he’s currently developing a remake ofWes Craven’sThe People Under the Stairs, asCollider first reported. Few are using genre stories as a vehicle for provocative social commentary quite like Peele, who has become a premiere filmmaker within the horror space. We can’t wait to see what he’s planning next, but Palmer certainly seemed excited about it last fall…
