Jordan Peele Addresses Us Fan Theory That Was One of Horror Film’s Biggest Mysteries

Jordan Peele Addresses Us Fan Theory That Was One of Horror Film's Biggest Mysteries

As a die-hard horror fan who’s spent countless nights huddled under blankets while binge-watching classics like “The Exorcist” and “Night of the Living Dead,” I can confidently say that Jordan Peele‘s masterpiece, “Us,” has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on my horror-loving soul. The film’s intricate storyline, chilling performances, and clever homages to iconic horror icons have kept me awake at night, pondering its many layers and hidden meanings.


Six years have passed, and we’re still pondering over the intricate hidden messages within Jordan Peele’s doppelgänger horror-thriller, “Us” (now available on Peacock). To help satisfy our curiosity, “The Hollywood Reporter” has dug up a wealth of behind-the-scenes insights from the film’s home release. Among these tidbits is the writer and director clarifying a widely held fan theory concerning Adelaide’s son, Jason (portrayed by Evan Alex), being one of the Tethered.

Jordan Peele addresses polarizing fan theory regarding Tethered in 2019 thriller Us

Peele expressed a notion about Jason: he appears to perceive beyond the ordinary, as if he can peer through a hidden curtain. Noticeably, there are instances where he seems to be observing his mother and is subtly hinted to be one step ahead of us – the sharpest among us – who are gradually unraveling that Adelaide’s story holds more than what we initially see.

By the movie’s end, it becomes clear that Jason, with a wary gaze as the Wilson family flee in an RV and the appearance of Adelaide (Lupita Nyong’o), seems to realize that his mother was once part of the Tethered group. To clarify, the fiery Jason, much like his agile sibling Zora (Shahadi Wright Joseph), is actually a genetic hybrid – half original, half clone.

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Peele noted that he often viewed the family as a specific quartet of archetypes. “Adelaide is the one in charge, the commander. Zora is the brave one, she acts swiftly and shows strength. Gabe, played by Winston Duke, may appear to be the leader or warrior, but he’s more like the jester. And Jason represents the magician or wizard.

Furthermore, the director spoke about his inspirations from iconic horror films, explaining why he incorporated items like the red jumpsuits (a tribute to Michael Myers), fingerless gloves (an homage to Freddy Krueger), and white rabbits (a reference to Lewis Carroll’s classic work, Alice in Wonderland).

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As a keen admirer, when it was my turn to guide the actors in their captivating Tethered portrayals, I encouraged them to mimic the intricate dance of secretive insects that dwell predominantly in the shadows. Additionally, I drew inspiration from films featuring twins, like “The Parent Trap,” to visualize specific shots demanding a simultaneous presence of both the Tethered and their human counterparts on screen.

Jordan’s movement was likened to a cockroach by Nyong’o. What makes a cockroach unique is that they move swiftly and can be hard to catch, yet at the same time, they can blend in so well with their surroundings that they often go unnoticed.

Right now, I’m enjoying my time streaming Us on Peacock alongside Get Out. In the coming weeks, I can’t wait to dive into Jordan Peele’s next project – a fresh take on the iconic hidden camera series, Scare Tactics, premiering on USA Network on Friday, October 4.

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2024-09-26 18:47