These days, for some, the word horror movie is often synonymous with Jordan Peele—and rightfully so. Peele, an American film director, comedian, and former actor has had a prolific effect on the horror movie genre ever since he released his first film “Get Out.” Peele first became beloved by American audiences after his comedy sketch show with Keegan-Michael Key, “Key & Peele” aired on Comedian Network. Peele became known for his impressions and roles of Obama and Mr.Nostrand and for his comedic writing and directing. He even won an Emmy and a Peabody award for his work on the show. After the show ended in 2015, people held their breath and wondered what Peele would do now that he planned to go solo. What he did, and is still doing, is making waves not only in the horror movie genre but also in American culture.

Before “Get Out” was released in 2017, I remember critics and horror movies fans scoffing at the idea that Peele, a comedian, could write and direct a horror movie. On top of that people were calling the film “anti-white” and “racist” because of the movie’s commentary on race. Despite all of the controversy, Peele managed to win over the audience by seamlessly blending psychological horror and comedy to make “Get Out.” The film was praised not only for its exceptional writing but also for its diversity and message regarding race. “Get Out” seemed to be the first mainstream and popular horror movie that featured black people as the main character and protagonist. Ever since “Get Out,” Peele has been making horror movies that feature black people and other people of color at the forefront, such as “Nope” (2022) and “Us” (2019). In doing so, he has allowed for an influx of diversity in the genre that can be seen in other horror movies like “Bodies Bodies Bodies” (2022) and “The First Purge” (2018). Peele has also changed the way horror movies are written, with more and more horror movies having comedic relief moments and comedic aspects that are very reminiscent of his writing in “Get Out.”

Peele’s impact can also be felt beyond the screen in American culture and society. Peele has always been funny and he has been recognized worldwide for being funny. He has been awarded for his comedic brilliance, however, he was not taken seriously in other spaces. People of color have always had to be exceptional to gain access to the entertainment industry, but being exceptional still did not guarantee that people of color would be in control and have their own agency. The entertainment industry is more than willing to give superficial success but not willing to give black entertainers or people of color agency behind the screen. There have been many prolific black comedians that have on and off screen talent, but so many of them are regulated to just being on-screen comedic relief. Just think of Tyler Perry, the man who has built one of the most influential production companies in, who is subjugated into just being the guy who played Medea. Peele managed to be recognized as both a talented comedian and director, a task that is extremely hard if you are not white; Peele showed that black people and other people of color have a presence not only as entertainers but also as creatives behind the screen. He allowed people of color to tell original and creative stories on the screen and behind it, and he has brought issues regarding racial discrimination faced by black people to the forefront on screens, a platform that allows people of color to speak out in more ways than one. 

Jordan Peele’s impact on the horror genre, entertainment industry, and American culture is undeniable. It is important to give Peele recognition for being such a force in the industry because so many black entertainers are not given any credit for their impact on the entertainment industry. He has created a large and solid body of work that many can only dream to achieve in two lifetimes, and he has done it with the pressure of being a black man in a racist and exploitative industry and society. I’m sure that Peele will continue to shake up the industry and make way for more people of color to follow in his footsteps.

 Featured Image via Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

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