If you’re hunting for the next Jordan Peele new book, you might be feeling that familiar itch. It’s that same feeling we get when a Monkeypaw trailer drops—a mix of "I’m terrified" and "I need this in my eyeballs right now."
But honestly, there’s a bit of confusion floating around the internet. People are scouring the shelves for a 2026 novel that doesn’t actually exist yet.
Here’s the reality: while Peele is currently deep in the "sunken place" of pre-production for his fourth directed film (which just got yanked from the 2026 calendar, by the way), his literary footprint is still defined by the massive, award-winning anthology Out There Screaming.
What’s Actually Happening with Jordan Peele and Books?
It’s easy to get wires crossed. Jordan Peele is a busy guy. Between producing the football-horror flick HIM (starring Marlon Wayans) and trying to figure out if his next movie is a sequel to Nope or something entirely new, he hasn't announced a solo novel or a second anthology for 2026.
Does that mean the "book" conversation is dead? Hardly.
If you haven't cracked open Out There Screaming: An Anthology of New Black Horror, you’re basically missing the blueprint for where horror is going. Peele didn't just slap his name on the cover for clout. He curated this thing like a mad scientist.
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Why this anthology is the "New Book" everyone still needs to read
- The Bram Stoker Connection: It didn't just sell well; it won the Bram Stoker Award. That’s the Oscar of the horror writing world.
- A "Who’s Who" of Terror: You’ve got heavy hitters like N.K. Jemisin, Tananarive Due, and Nnedi Okorafor.
- Variety is the Spice of Nightmares: It’s not just slashers. We're talking cosmic horror, weird sci-fi, and ghosts that feel a little too real.
The 2026 Gap: Where is the next project?
I get it. You want more. We all do.
The rumor mill started churning because Peele’s fourth directorial film was slated for October 23, 2026. Naturally, fans expected a tie-in book or a new collection to drop alongside it. But as of late 2025, Universal pulled that movie from the schedule.
Sources say Peele is "continuing to develop" the project, but he’s notoriously perfectionistic. If the movie is delayed, any potential literary companion is likely on ice too.
Basically, Jordan Peele doesn't do "filler." If he’s going to release a new book, it’s going to be an event, not a cash grab.
What Most People Get Wrong About Jordan Peele’s Writing
A lot of folks think Peele writes every word in these collections. Not quite.
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In Out There Screaming, he provides the masterclass introduction—which is a fascinating look into his own fears—but the stories belong to the contributors. It’s a platform. He’s using his massive Hollywood leverage to shine a light on Black authors who have been killing it in the indie scene for years.
The Themes That Keep Us Up at Night
You won't find generic vampires here. The horror in a "Jordan Peele book" usually hits two levels:
- The "Oh Crap" Factor: A monster is chasing you.
- The "Wait, That’s Deep" Factor: The monster is actually a metaphor for systemic injustice, police brutality, or the weight of history.
Take Tananarive Due's story in the anthology, "The Rider." It’s a freedom rider story set in Alabama. It’s terrifying because of the supernatural elements, sure, but it’s the historical reality that actually makes your skin crawl.
Ranking the Stories (If You're Short on Time)
If you finally pick up the "new" classic and only have an hour, start with these:
"Dark Home" by Nnedi Okorafor. It’s got this incredible blend of Igbo folklore and modern dread. It feels like a movie Peele would direct.
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"The Others" by Justin C. Key. This one leans into the body horror and psychological "weirdness" that felt very Get Out-esque.
"Origin Story" by Starre Vartan. Not your typical horror, but it lingers. It’s about identity and what we inherit from the earth itself.
How to stay ahead of the next Jordan Peele release
Since there isn't a brand-new 2026 title hitting the press this second, what should you do?
First, ignore those "leaked" PDF sites. They’re usually malware or just old scripts of Us rebranded to trick you.
Second, keep an eye on Monkeypaw Productions. They tend to announce their literary ventures through Vanity Fair or The Hollywood Reporter about six months before they drop.
Honestly, the best way to prep for a Jordan Peele new book is to actually read the authors he champions. If you liked Out There Screaming, go buy a full novel by Chesya Burke or P. Djèlí Clark. That’s clearly what Jordan wants us to do anyway.
Actionable Steps for the Horror Obsessed
- Check the 2024 Paperback: If you only saw the hardcover of Out There Screaming, the paperback released in late 2024 often has updated intros or cleaner formatting. Grab that for your shelf.
- Follow the Contributors: Follow N.K. Jemisin and Tananarive Due on social media. They are often the first to hint if Peele is curating a "Volume 2."
- Watch "HIM" in 2025: Keep your eyes peeled for the Monkeypaw-produced film HIM. Usually, these film cycles trigger new publishing deals or "Making Of" books that satisfy that craving for Peele’s creative process.
- Listen to the Audiobook: The audio version of Peele's anthology is narrated by a full cast (including Peele himself). It’s a completely different experience than reading the physical text.
The wait for the next "big one" is annoying, but in the world of Jordan Peele, the silence usually means something very loud is coming.