Jordan Peele's horror romp Like Get Out and Us, Jordan Peele's Nope features a diverse ensemble and celebrates BIPOC performers. Nope is Peele's third movie, with the filmmaker again leaning into the horror genre, and as with his former two entries, he serves as director, writer, and producer.
Nope follows OJ Haywood and his sister Emerald as the two try to continue their family business as horse trainers for Hollywood after the unexpected ing of their father, Otis Sr. (Keith David). Their out-of-the-way ranch is set upon by something mysterious in the sky that hides in a cloud and seems to be getting more aggressive over time. To capitalize on their situation, the two spend most of the film trying to capture footage of whatever is in the heavens above the ranch.
Get Out or Us, which serves to make it fresh and unexpected. The film serves up both comedy and horror — sometimes in the same scene — and deeply concerns itself with Hollywood and the concept of spectacle. The central cast and ing characters impressively manage Peele's script and make memorable moments that are sure to stick in audiences' minds long after the film is over. Here's a guide to the cast and characters of Nope, including past roles audiences might recognize them from.
Daniel Kaluuya as OJ Haywood
Nope's central character and protagonist, OJ Haywood, is played by Daniel Kaluuya. Most recognizable from his Oscar-nominated role as Chris in Get Out, his Oscar-winning performance as Fred Hampton in Judas and the Black Messiah, and his portrayal of Marvel's W'Kabi in Black Panther, Kaluuya has been all over the acting world. Making appearances in shows like Skins and Doctor Who, he has an impressive television portfolio on top of his movie appearances.
Kaluuya has worked as a writer and producer and is currently slated to bring about a live-action adaptation of Barney and Friends through his production company, 59%. Peele has referred to Kaluuya as his "De Niro," referencing director Martin Scorsese's famous relationship with the actor Robert De Niro. After Get Out's success, and based on the chemistry the two have while working together, it's not surprising that Peele cast Kaluuya in Nope. With Peele and Kaluuya doing such stellar work together, it's not unlikely that audiences could see Kaluuya in Jordan Peele's next movie.
Keke Palmer as Emerald "Em" Haywood
Keke Palmer plays Nope's deuteragonist, Emerald. Palmer has been on the silver screen from a very young age and has many credits across television and film. Her breakout role came with Akeelah and the Bee when she was just 13 years old. She starred as the main character in Nickelodeon's Scream Queens. As Em Haywood, Palmer brings a streak of comedy and believability to Nope that heightens the horror when it comes.
Steven Yeun as Ricky "Jupe" Park
Steven Yeun co-stars in Nope as Ricky Park, a former child star who is running a Western- and alien-themed tourist trap that neighbors the Haywood ranch. Yeun is perhaps best known for his role as Invincible.
Brandon Perea as Angel Torres
In Nope, Brandon Perea plays Angel Torres, a UFO-believing technician who helps the Haywoods install video surveillance equipment to watch for activity in the sky above their ranch. Perea may be the lowest-profile member of the main cast, but Nope isn't his first outing. Viewers may know Perea as Alfonso Sosa in the Netflix series The OA.
Nope's ing Cast & Characters
Keith David as Otis Haywood Sr. - The Haywood patriarch in Nope whose death acts as the impetus for much of the film is played by an actor well known for his distinctively deep voice. Armageddon.
Michael Wincott as Antlers Holst - In the course of trying to get good footage of whatever is in the sky above their ranch in Nope, the Haywoods reach out to famed cinematographer Antlers Holst, who is played by Michael Wincott. Best known for antagonistic roles in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and The Crow, Wincott plays a different part in Nope, and his gravelly voice lends particular impact to many of his lines.
The movie is cast well, and everyone does a great job of navigating the thin line between humor and horror, particularly during Nope's most mysterious spectacles. It also showcases Jordan Peele's talent as a director, writer, and producer. While he doesn't serve as its casting director, it appears he has some say in who he works with, and the result is nothing short of magical. Nope and its stellar cast can be enjoyed in theaters starting July 22.
