The Jordan Peele produced horror film HIM is set to premiere in theaters nationwide on September 19, delivering an unusual mix of gripping sports drama and unsettling horror. While Peele serves as a producer, the film features strong creative influences from him and showcases Marlon Wayans in a chilling role as a mentor to a promising young quarterback.
The Story Behind HIM: A Rising Athlete’s Dark Journey
HIM follows Cameron Cade, portrayed by Tyriq Withers, a former college wide receiver turned rising-star quarterback wholly devoted to football. As he prepares for the pivotal professional scouting Combine, Cade suffers a violent attack by a fan, resulting in a critical brain injury that threatens his career. Just when his future seems bleak, Cade accepts an invitation to train at a secluded compound under the guidance of his idol, Isaiah White, an eight-time champion quarterback played by Wayans.
The film’s synopsis reveals a sinister twist:
“But as Cam’s training accelerates, Isaiah’s charisma begins to curdle into something darker, sending his protégé down a disorienting rabbit hole that may cost him more than he ever bargained for.”
This psychological descent anchors the story’s blend of athletic ambition and creeping terror.
Creative Team and Production Insights
The film is directed by Justin Tipping, known for Kicks, who co-wrote the screenplay with Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. The original script earned a spot on the 2022 Black List of the industry’s most admired unproduced screenplays. Tipping brings personal insight to the story, stating,
I was an athlete my entire life. My first word was ‘ball,’
and explains his fascination with the crossover between sports and psychology, adding,
About halfway through playing soccer in college, I gave up and started pursuing film. That was my new love. So I have this love of sports as well as the inner-workings of the psychology of athletes, and I’m a cinephile. I thought it was exciting to take on a film that was giving the promise of a sports drama, but at the same time delivering horror.
Jordan Peele’s production company, Monkeypaw, backs the film alongside producers Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson, with David Kern and Kate Oh serving as executive producers. Peele emphasizes the film’s innovative blending of genres:
At Monkeypaw [Peele’s production company], we love ideas that shouldn’t be made and that we’re not supposed to touch, and the combination of sports and horror was something I had never quite seen,
he said.
It was just clear that we had a genre mash-up that was right up my alley.
Cast Highlights and Notable Debuts
HIM features a diverse and talented cast including Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Australian comedian Jim Jefferies. The film also introduces new faces to cinema such as MMA heavyweight Maurice Greene and musicians Guapdad 4000 and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack, marking their feature film acting debuts. This eclectic ensemble contributes to the film’s textured portrayal of sports and supernatural themes intertwined with suspense.
Film Rating and Content Advisory
The movie has been rated R for
“strong bloody violence, language throughout, sexual material, nudity and some drug use,”
reflecting its mature and intense thematic content. This rating signals the film’s appeal to adult audiences comfortable with graphic and challenging material.
Release Details and Anticipated Audience Reception
HIM will hit theaters on Friday, September 19, distributed by Universal Pictures. Although tickets have not yet gone on sale, anticipation is building among fans of Jordan Peele produced horror films and those interested in genre-bending stories. The film’s unique combination of sports and horror elements positions it as a distinct entry in both genres, potentially attracting viewers looking for thrilling narratives that explore psychological and physical battles.
