Nope lives in a tight layer of secrecy, with the only known fragments being the Universal film's three leading stars: Steven Yeun, Keke Palmer, and Daniel Kaluuya. Peele, however, has revealed a bit about the role Kaluuya will play and the 'otherworldly confrontation' that will linger in his path.
The first official poster for Universal's Nope came from Peele via Twitter in July 2021. The image was incredibly artistic but limited in terms of the information it provided. The Nope poster gave audiences a glimpse of a cloud-like presence hovering above a small town, which created the impression for many that something alien-like would play a role in the narrative. Months passed before an official Nope trailer arrived in February of this year, but the feeling of uncertainty in audiences remained relatively consistent. The footage briefly introduced the talented cast and teased the unknown horror that haunted them from above. However, several questions remained unanswered, heightening the intrigue for one of the year's most anticipated films.
As the release date approaches, audiences can expect to learn more about the film, but until then, the sample provided will have to suffice. While speaking with Empire magazine, Peele pulled back the heavily closed curtain a few inches, providing audiences insight into the role Kaluuya's character will play in the narrative. "I wrote NOPE with Daniel in mind for the role – a humble man destined for an epic and otherworldly confrontation," expressed Peele. "Daniel's craft is on a different level, but it's his warmth that grounds audiences even during points of absolute madness. You may be watching a nightmare, but when he's on-screen, at least you've got your brother with you, and that's all you need."
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Peele's wording could mean a couple of things when reviewed carefully. The indicated 'otherworldly confrontation' could point toward something foreign to the planet, but the simplicity of the conflict feels distant from Peele's recognizable style. The director is known for integrating social commentary in the horror, leaving audiences to assume that this new venture will do the same. Whatever the direction, the horror looks to remain a centerpiece for Peele, upping the ante with the inclusion of cinematographer Hoyte van Hoytema to bring the horrific elements to life in a visually stunning manner. While little has surfaced, it's clear that Kaluuya will be a calming presence to hold onto while immersed in the narrative's storm.
Nope will be the second time Peele and Kaluuya will have worked to bring a project together. The two previously worked together on Peele's 2017 film Get Out, which generated $255 million worldwide. The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, further engraining Peele as a household name for many. Kaluuya was nominated for his performance in the film but failed to walk away with the award. Knowing that Peele wrote Nope with Kaluuya in mind points toward his significant involvement in the narrative, providing room for Kaluuya to create another Academy Award-worthy performance. The memorable experience of Get Out propelled both men in their own respective directions, making the reunion an additional layer of added excitement for audiences.
Nope will likely remain a mystery until its release; a tactic Peele has implemented in his previous works. The promotional rollout of Get Out and Us left audiences in a relative state of limbo but provided enough enticing elements to attract bodies into theaters. The 'otherworldly confrontation' may never reveal itself in future trailers or images, but the mere presence of something ominous makes the wait all the more worth it. It'll be intriguing to see how the three leading actor's paths will intersect throughout the narrative and what their role will be when facing the foreboding presence above.
Nope will hit theaters July 22, 2022.
Source: Empire