Keke Palmer has steadily built her presence in the horror genre through notable roles in projects like Scream Queens, Scream: The TV Series, and Jordan Peele’s Nope. Currently starring in the new Peacock series The ‘Burbs, Palmer continues to explore horror through this eight-episode mystery-comedy inspired by Joe Dante’s cult classic, featuring Tom Hanks. Looking ahead, Palmer is determined to deepen her horror ambitions and carve out a lasting space in this genre.
During an interview on the red carpet at the Film Independent Spirit Awards, Palmer openly expressed her desire to expand her work within horror, revealing an aspiration to model her career after the iconic Jamie Lee Curtis.
Keke Palmer’s Vision: Becoming a Scream Queen Like Jamie Lee Curtis
Palmer made her horror ambitions clear, stating on camera,
I would love to do MORE horror,
and further added,
I’m talking like my Jamie Lee Curtis girl type of vibe. Like a full-on, Neve Campbell franchise… we need number two, three, four, five, six. I would love to be like Jamie Lee. She’s the most iconic scream queen. So if I could do a Halloween type situation, I would have so much fun with that.
This highlights Palmer’s goal to not only star in horror but to do so repeatedly, becoming a defining face in the genre much like Curtis has been for decades.
Envisioning a New Horror Franchise: The Valentine’s Day Slasher
Palmer also shared an original idea for a horror saga that would combine emotional revenge with slasher thrills. She humorously described the concept as,
A real mad ass bitch that had her heart broken in 1985, and she’s coming back to haunt all the wicked men of the day. She’s making all the men rue the day that they broke somebody’s heart. Now that’s actually good!
This pitch showcases Palmer’s creative approach to horror, blending personal vendetta themes with classic genre elements.
What to Watch Now: The ‘Burbs on Peacock
While Palmer shapes her future horror path, fans can currently catch her in The ‘Burbs, available in full on Peacock. The series follows Palmer and Jack Whitehall as a reluctant young couple who move into the husband’s childhood home in a modern suburban setting. Their lives are soon disrupted when a new neighbor arrives, unraveling long-hidden secrets and unleashing deadly threats within the seemingly quiet neighborhood.
The Rising Impact of Keke Palmer’s Horror Pursuits
Keke Palmer’s increasing focus on horror demonstrates her eagerness to explore complex and tense narratives that resonate within the genre’s fanbase. By aspiring to become a recurring presence like Jamie Lee Curtis and Neve Campbell, Palmer aims to solidify her standing as a modern scream queen. This determination could lead to new horror franchises and roles that push the boundaries of her career, offering audiences fresh, suspenseful stories rooted in contemporary settings.
Keke Palmer says she would “love to do more horror” and “love to be like Jamie Lee Curtis” as she pitches her new Valentine’s Day horror movie. #SpiritAwards pic.twitter.com/NsjzrNH4dN
— Variety (@Variety) February 15, 2026
