Product Code Database
Peely is an anthropomorphic banana character who appears in the Fortnite video game, developed and published by Epic Games. The character first appeared as an unlockable outfit in Season 8 of the first chapter of Fortnite Battle Royale.
In August 2021, Fortnite released its "Imposters" mode, similar in vein to the social deduction game Among Us. In the mode, imposters were given the ability to make all other players temporarily appear as Peely.
In Season 1 of Chapter 4 of Fortnites narrative, Epic introduced "Peely's Plunder"–an augment, or buff, that allows players to track buried loot. Peely later appears in Chapter 5 of the game's storyline, where he is kidnapped.
A version of Peely as Wolverine, dubbed "Peelverine", is featured in the Chapter 5 Season 4 battle pass, with the season themed after Marvel Comics and named "Absolute Doom". Peely was first seen using Wolverine's claws in the trailer for the previous Marvel season, Chapter 2 Season 4, titled "Nexus War".
A lawyer representing Apple stated, "We thought it better to go with the suit than the naked banana since we are in federal court this morning". Though the Apple lawyer's statement was viewed as a joke by media outlets, it drew a response from Epic. A lawyer representing Epic asked for Matthew Weissinger, the developer-publisher's marketing director, to clarify if there was "anything inappropriate about Peely without clothes", to which Weissinger was quoted as stating "It's just a banana, ma'am". The exchange attracted media coverage, with The Washington Post Shannon Liao writing that "Experts consulted by The Post described the exchange as irrelevant to antitrust — though amusing." In her ruling on the case, Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers concurred with Weissinger's sentiments that Peely is just a "banana man", added that Apple's dressing of Peely in a tuxedo was done in "jest to reflect the general solemnity of a federal court proceeding", and called the "additional attire" unnecessary.
The character has been noted to be a popularly-selected character, with Tanner Dedmon of ComicBook.com writing that Peely has "persisted between seasons and has become a frequent pick with different variations released." In November 2021, Heavys Eli Becht wrote that "against all odds Peely has become an icon."
Though a popular skin in the game, Peely and his design have bemused Fortnites player base and media writers alike. Calling Peely a "silly skin", Patricia Hernandez of Kotaku wrote that "Peely has never 100% made sense. When the giant banana was introduced in Season 8, everyone seemed confused over its anatomy." Fellow Kotaku writer Ian Walker called Peely "grotesque". Writing for GameRevolution, Adam N. Roberts stated that "Peely, on its own, is already pretty strange looking. While a casual glance makes it seem like a guy in a banana suit, it's actually some kind of banana demon with skinny arms and legs". Walker similarly referred to Peely as a "Lovecraftian ghoul".
Variants of Peely have also attracted media coverage. Analyzing Peely's "Summer Legends" design, MacLeod wrote: "Props to Epic's artists: Peely's peel-less body is intensely evocative of actual bananas. When you look at him, you can practically feel the squishy, nubby sensation of peeling a banana that's been sitting in your beach cooler all day". Two Peely variants were included in a Dot Esports ranking of the ten best Fortnite skins: Peely's original variant was ranked at tenth, while his "Polar Peely" variant was ranked as the overall best, with the outlet noting that players who equip the Polar variant are "sweaty" and "mean business".
Promotion and reception
Peely has made several appearances in Fortnite merchandising. In November 2019, a Funko Pop of Peely was released. Later, in 2021, Nintendo released their " Fortnite Fleet Force Bundle", which included a set of Joy-Con featuring a yellow Peely-themed controller. Also in 2021, McFarlane Toys released a 7" figurine of the Peely Bone outfit. Epic collaborated with American artist Kaws to release a Peely outfit themed after the artist's style. Epic Games also released a Christmas ornament based on Peely's "Polar Peely" variant outfit. In December 2023, Epic partnered with Lego to release a Lego version of a Peely variant outfit. The partnership was accompanied by a Lego-styled animated cinematic trailer featuring Peely. PowerA, an American video game accessory manufacturer, released Peely-themed accessories including controllers and Nintendo Switch cases in February 2024. In March 2025, Adidas and Epic collaborated, with the former releasing a line of Fortnite-themed Ultraboost sneakers; one pair was inspired and named after Peely.
|
|
