Jordan Peele's highly anticipated sci-fi horror Nope arrived in theaters on July 22, 2022. Before that, however, Nope's official trailer teased viewers with plenty of alien-themed elements that sent imaginations running wild about the theme of the Oscar-winning writer/director's film.
One of the most famous fan theories speculated that "NOPE," as it was written on the official poster, was an acronym for Not Of Planet Earth or Not Our Planet Earth. However, Peele provided an official answer regarding his intention behind the title. With fans now able to watch the film and make their own assumptions, how does the title capture what Peele was going for?
What Does Nope's Title Mean to Jordan Peele?
"Nope!" speaks to the kind of reaction Peele envisioned viewers having while watching the movie. Films in the horror genre are known for their rollercoaster effect, taking the audiences on a sensational ride of thrill and horror. However, Peele seeks to go beyond the obvious, creating a deeper connection and multi-faceted interaction with the audience that has them laughing, crying and shouting out "Nope!" while fearing for the characters.
"I love a rapt audience, whatever it is. I love an audience that's cringing or cowering or laughing," Peele said on CinemaCon, "Roller coasters aren't fun alone. Laughing isn't fun alone. Being scared isn't fun alone. You need that energy, and it heightens the ride."
Interestingly, the director also has a history of fashioning audience reactions into his work. His debut release, Get Out, sets an example of the crawling-under-your-skin type of experience at the core of Peele's taste. "I like the titles that are in tune with how the audiences are feeling and reflect on what they're thinking and feeling in the theater," he added, clearing the rumors about the upcoming film's title.
Does the Title Nope Have an Underlying Meaning?
When audiences look closer at Jordan Peele's previous titles, Get Out and Us are both efficient in capturing great dramatic contrast. The phrase "get out" can be used in various social situations, providing vast creative liberty in the horror genre and social commentary. "Us" also contains a level of underlying obscurity that fit seamlessly with the work.
On the other hand, Nope implies a darker and more intense tone since the phrase is commonly used to express denial and disagreement. Connecting to the film's synopsis, which confirms a mysterious force in play, "What is it that we're not seeing?" is a question that audiences need to be answered when watching Nope. There's always an element of surprise in Jordan Peele's work, even when the official trailer managed to create awe among fans of the horror genre before they got to see it in its entirety. "I've always been attracted by the prospect of my favorite movie I haven't seen before and what that could possibly be," Peele said, "and that to me is in the spirit of movie-making."
Jordan Peele's Nope is currently available to stream on Peacock with a subscription plan.