The psychological horror film Him presents a unique challenge to Jordan Peele’s standing in Hollywood, testing how much his name alone can elevate a horror project. Although Peele did not direct Him, which is a story centered on football, his involvement as a producer is heavily emphasized in the movie’s marketing. This strategy has helped draw attention to the film, leveraging Peele horror influence to attract interest.
Produced with a modest budget, Him is expected to be financially viable for Universal Pictures. Beyond box office numbers, the film’s performance also serves as a gauge of Peele’s impact on independent horror films and whether his name can extend beyond his directorial work to benefit projects he supports behind the scenes.
Behind the Scenes: How Peele’s Name Shapes Him’s Reception
Him’s marketing materials prominently feature Jordan Peele, underscoring his connection despite Justin Tipping directing the movie. The screenplay, crafted by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, caught the attention of Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal Pictures early on, leading to a swift acquisition and association with Peele’s brand.
The film shares key elements familiar to Peele’s previous works, such as a strong presence of Black lead characters, a blend of psychological tension and humor, and embedded social commentary. Given Peele’s past incorporation of sports themes in his sketch comedy with Keegan-Michael Key on Key and Peele, the focus on football in Him seems aligned with the kind of stories Peele embraces.
Though not a directorial effort of Peele’s, Him carries a similar tone and thematic depth found in movies like Get Out and Nope, connecting Peele’s production role to the film’s content. Universal’s choice to highlight this link taps into Peele’s proven success and aims to maximize audience interest via his established influence in horror cinema.
The Lasting Impact of Jordan Peele on Today’s Horror Films
Since the release of Get Out in 2017, Jordan Peele has significantly reshaped the horror genre. His film arrived during a period known as elevated horror alongside titles like The Babadook and Hereditary, standing out by earning him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay—a rare achievement for horror filmmakers.
Peele’s emphasis on authentic stories with predominantly Black casts, intense visuals, and social themes such as race and inequality has inspired a wave of new voices in horror. Post-Get Out, the genre has seen a surge in films addressing gentrification, racial tensions, and broader social issues through the lens of horror, as shown in projects like Sinners, Day Shift, Vampires vs. the Bronx, and The Last Voyage of the Demeter.
Notable filmmakers including Nia DeCosta, Tim Story, and Ryan Coogler have continued to advance this movement, with works such as Candyman (co-written by Peele and DeCosta), The Blackening, and Sinners carrying forward the blend of social relevance and genre thrills that Peele exemplified.
Him as a Test of Peele’s Enduring Brand Power
By merging psychological horror with a deep dive into the personal costs of ambition set against a sports backdrop, Him fits into the mold of socially conscious horror that Peele popularized. His role as producer allows Universal to underline the connection and draw from Peele’s reputation to boost the film’s visibility and box office performance.
With a production budget of around $27 million, Him does not require blockbuster returns to be profitable, which improves its commercial prospects. However, the subject of football’s dangers may limit its appeal, similar to the challenges faced by Will Smith’s film Concussion, which failed to resonate widely despite its serious theme.
The timing of Him’s release during football season adds complexity, as audiences may be hesitant to engage with its critical portrayal of the sport. Should the film underperform, it might raise questions about Peele’s influence beyond directing, although a strong critical and commercial response could reinforce his status as a significant force in modern horror.
The Casting That Brings Him to Life
The movie stars Tyriq Withers as Benny Mathis, supported by Marlon Wayans playing Connor Dane. Julia Fox and Tim Heidecker also headline, contributing to the film’s dynamic portrayal of complex characters navigating the pressures of sports and ambition.
What Him’s Success Could Mean for Jordan Peele’s Future
Him offers a valuable insight into how Jordan Peele’s name, extended through his producing efforts, holds sway in the horror landscape. Its reception may influence Hollywood’s perception of Peele’s role not only as a director but as a brand capable of elevating independent horror projects. This is particularly crucial as Peele’s next directorial film was recently removed from the 2026 release calendar, increasing the spotlight on his current productions.
Should Him achieve favorable box office returns and critical acclaim, it will affirm Peele’s position at the forefront of the genre, confirming his continued relevance and the viability of his approach to horror filmmaking in Hollywood’s evolving market.
