The Jordan Peele produced horror film, HIM, is set to debut in theaters on September 19, bringing a fresh, unnerving twist to the world of sports cinema. While the movie initially presents itself as a familiar athletic drama, it gradually descends into a terrifying and surreal experience, as revealed in a newly released image covered by Empire Online.
Director’s Vision Turns Traditional Sports Story into Dark Thriller
Directed by Justin Tipping, known for his work on Kicks, HIM begins by evoking the spirit of celebrated sports narratives before shifting toward horror. Tipping shares with Empire Online that his creative instinct was to make the film feel like something akin to Friday Night Lights or an intense sports advertisement.
“My instinct was to set it up in a way that it feels like we’re in Friday Night Lights, or a Gatorade or Nike ad. We’re rooting for the kid who just needs to unlock one thing to take it to the next level. And then we subvert the expectations and let it become Nosferatu or Ex Machina.”
—Justin Tipping, Director
“And let it evolve or devolve — depending on your sensibilities — into something it’s not,”
Tipping added, emphasizing the film’s shift from a familiar genre to something more unsettling and unconventional.
Plot Focuses on Ambition, Trauma, and Dark Mentorship
Produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, HIM explores the intense pressures of fame and the pursuit of greatness, featuring Marlon Wayans in a striking dramatic role. The story follows Cameron Cade, played by Tyriq Withers, a promising quarterback whose future is jeopardized after a brutal attack by a fan just before a crucial scouting event.
Cade’s life takes a darker turn when he accepts help from Isaiah White, an eight-time championship-winning quarterback and cultural icon portrayed by Wayans. Isaiah invites Cam to train at his secluded home, alongside his wife, influencer Elsie White, played by Julia Fox. What begins as an opportunity to recover and rise in football soon spirals into a sinister journey as Isaiah’s charm reveals a more menacing side.
Diverse and Notable Supporting Cast Joins the Thriller
The film’s supporting lineup features a unique blend of talent, including alternative comedian Tim Heidecker and Australian comic Jim Jefferies, both appearing in key roles. Additionally, MMA fighter Maurice Greene and musical artists Guapdad 4000 and Grammy-nominated Tierra Whack make their feature film debuts, contributing to the film’s eclectic atmosphere.
Anticipated Impact and Next Steps for the Film
HIM positions itself as a daring mix of sports drama and horror, created under the creative influence of Jordan Peele and delivered through Justin Tipping’s distinctive direction. Its exploration of obsession, mentorship, and identity under extreme conditions promises to challenge audiences and genre expectations alike. As it prepares for its theatrical release, HIM aims to continue the legacy of innovative storytelling established by Peele’s previous productions like Get Out and Us.
