Photo by Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
Breaking records and bringing in the big bucks, Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’ became the top-grossing original horror film cashing in at $70.25 million over the weekend ($68 million internationally), double what was projected.
This win also makes the film the third-best horror opening in history.
Black boy magic is nothing new for Peele. His first feature film ‘Get Out’ earned him an Oscar for best original screenplay and he was a producer on Spike Lee’s ‘BlacKkKlansman’ which received multiple nominations at this year’s Oscars, including best picture.
The R-rated horror film stars actors Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke as a married couple bringing their family of four on a trip to their beachfront vacation home. This quaint family trip quickly takes a turn for the worst when they meet their doppelgängers who have less than good intentions.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 19: (L-R) Lupita Nyong’o, Evan Alex, Shahadi Wright Joseph, and Winston Duke attend the ‘US’ New York Premiere. Photo by Dia Dipasupil/WireImage
Not only has ‘Us’ been a financial success, critics and fans are also enjoying the scary plot. The film received a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
The history-making may not stop at dollars earned. Academy voters have a pattern of overlooking the horror genre for its top categories, however, talks of Nyong’o’s performance earning her a second Oscar win have already started to stir. If she does win the trophy, she will be the first black actress or actor to do so within this category. Ocativa Spencer may be a contender for the same with her performance in ‘Ma,’ another horror film being released May 31.
Watch as Jordan Peele shares his inspiration for the film.
TELL US: Jordan Peele is quickly making a name for himself in the film industry, how are you feeling his collection of thrillers?
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