Jordan Peele inks MAJOR 5-year deal with Universal Pictures

Universal Pictures today announced that the studio has entered into a five-year exclusive production partnership with Monkeypaw Productions, led by producer, director and Oscar-winning writer Jordan Peele.

“It would not have been possible to make Get Out and Us without the endless trust and support we received from Donna Langley and the team at Universal.  Their willingness to take risks and their commitment to original content makes them the perfect collaborative partner for Monkeypaw.  I couldn’t be more excited for what lies ahead,” Jordan Peele said in a statement on Tuesday.

Peele’s first two films from Monkeypaw and Universal, which he produced, directed and wrote, 2017’s Get Out and 2019’s Us, became commercial and critical smash hits, with Get Out still holding the record as the highest-grossing movie ever for a feature debut from a writer/director with an original screenplay.

Power to the People: Jordan Peele says he won’t be casting white dudes as a lead in future movies

Get Out earned Peele the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay along with nominations for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor (for Daniel Kaluuya).  Peele’s sophomore film Us debuted earlier this year to record-breaking results, including the highest-grossing opening ever for an original horror film; the highest-grossing opening ever for an R-rated film; and the highest-grossing opening for a live-action original since 2009’s Avatar.

“Jordan has established himself as a premier voice and original storyteller with global appeal.  He is leading a new generation of filmmakers that have found a way to tap into the cultural zeitgeist with groundbreaking content that resonates with audiences of all backgrounds,” said Donna Langley, Chairman, Universal Filmed Entertainment Group. “We also share an important goal with Monkeypaw when it comes to increasing representation on-screen in the characters that are portrayed, the stories that are told, and the people who tell them.”

Under the new exclusive deal, Universal is developing Peele’s next two films which he will direct, write, and produce.  Peele and Monkeypaw, headed by President Win Rosenfeld, will also produce original films under their banner, championing filmmakers with a focus on high-level content that transcends genre.  Monkeypaw produced Spike Lee’s feature BlacKkKlansman in 2018,  The film received six Oscar nods, winning Lee his first-ever Academy Award.

‘Us’ puts the genius of Jordan Peele and Lupita Nyong’o on full display

Monkeypaw is currently in production on Candyman, written by Peele and Rosenfeld, and directed by rising filmmaker Nia DaCosta (Little Woods).  Universal Pictures will distribute Candyman globally with the North American release date slated for June 12, 2020.

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Erica Mena and Safaree Samuels expecting first child together

It looks like Erica Mena and Safaree Samuels have been hiding a pretty big secret.

The Love & Hip Hop stars who are set to wed on October 7 revealed they are expecting their first child together on Tuesday.

The pair shared the good news with a photo shoot showing off Mena’s growing baby bump on social media and by the looks of her, she’s well on her way to welcoming a new bundle of joy.

Erica Mena has one son from a previous relationship and this will be baby No.1 for Safaree Samuels.

Erica Mena appeared on Love & Hip Hop NY for years before jumping on to Love & Hip Hp Atlanta.  Samuels joined Love & Hip Hop Hollywood shortly after his split from longtime love, Nicki Minaj. 

‘Love & Hip Hop’ star Erica Mena and boyfriend BUSTED near Atlanta

Fans have watched Erica Mena navigate some pretty toxic relationships over the years, including a drama-filled romance with former Love & Hip Hop costar, Cyn Santana and Bow Wow.

Just last year, she and her former boyfriend, Clifford Dixon were arrested after reportedly arguing so loudly it prompted someone to call the police. While witnesses reported hearing someone get slapped, there was no evidence of physical harm on either person, but witnesses also alleged Dixon kicked in a locked door to get to Mena. He was arrested for criminal trespass because the incident went down at Mena’s home and she was charged with possession of marijuana after cops found weed and THC wax in her kitchen.

SO MESSY: Safaree Samuels claims Nicki Minaj cut him with a knife

According to reports, Mena and Samuels plan to film their upcoming nuptials for Vh1.

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Jordan Peele Inks 5-Year Moviemaking Deal With Universal Pictures

Moviemaker Jordan Peele is obviously a hitmaker, with his blockbuster debut, Get Out, and his follow-up hit, Us. But with a new five-year production deal he’s inked with Universal Pictures, Peele is set to be a king (or queen) maker, too.

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