Keke Palmer is the 'modern Tom Hanks' in Peacock's 'The 'Burbs' reboot

Writer-producer Celeste Hughey says the versatile actress is the perfect lead for her re-imagining of the 1989 comedy.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Celeste Hughey, the writer and producer of the new Peacock series "The 'Burbs," says that Keke Palmer is the perfect lead for the show's re-imagining of the 1989 Tom Hanks-Carrie Fisher comedy. Hughey explains that Palmer effortlessly moves between comedy and drama, making her the "modern Tom Hanks" for the project.

Why it matters

The 'Burbs' reboot places Palmer in a leading role for the first time since her breakout as the star of Nickelodeon's "True Jackson, VP" in the late 2000s. The show also allows Palmer to showcase her full range of talents, from comedy to drama, further cementing her status as a versatile and charismatic performer.

The details

Loosely inspired by the 1989 film, the new "The 'Burbs" mystery series follows a happily married couple, Samira (Palmer) and Rob (Jack Whitehall), as they move to the suburban neighborhood where Rob grew up. Hughey says she wrote the role specifically for Palmer, who she sees as the "modern Tom Hanks" due to her ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles.

  • The 'Burbs premieres on Peacock on February 8, 2026.

The players

Keke Palmer

An American actress, singer, and television personality who Celeste Hughey sees as the perfect lead for the "The 'Burbs" reboot due to her versatility and charisma.

Celeste Hughey

The writer and producer of the new Peacock series "The 'Burbs" who says Keke Palmer was her dream lead for the project from the beginning.

Jack Whitehall

A British actor who co-stars as Rob, the husband of Palmer's character Samira, in "The 'Burbs" reboot.

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What they’re saying

“Keke was always who I dreamed of playing the lead. She was, from the get-go, exactly who I wanted. So, I wrote to her, basically. With the script, I always had her voice in mind.”

— Celeste Hughey, Writer and producer of "The 'Burbs" (UPI)

“She has the comedy chops. She can do the dramatic. She has the full range. She is, as we know, just a superstar in everything she does. She sang 'The Star Spangled Banner' perfectly the other day at a game.”

— Celeste Hughey, Writer and producer of "The 'Burbs" (UPI)

The takeaway

Keke Palmer's casting as the lead in Peacock's "The 'Burbs" reboot further solidifies her status as a versatile and charismatic performer who can seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, much like the iconic Tom Hanks. The show provides Palmer with a high-profile leading role that allows her to showcase her full range of talents.