Marlon Wayans‘ latest film, Him, released on September 19, has faced critical backlash, but Wayans is urging audiences to give it a chance. Featuring in a role tied to the NFL and directed by Justin Tipping, the film explores ambition and sacrifice within American football, sparking both debate and box office success.
Marlon Wayans Responds to Criticism of His Film
After negative reviews emerged for Him, Marlon Wayans publicly stood by the film, sharing his perspective on Instagram. He emphasized the subjective nature of art and insisted that critical opinions do not always reflect the audience’s view. Wayans wrote,
Just to be clear…I respect critics. Their job is to critique. I respect their work. It shapes our industry. But an opinion does not always mean it’s everyone’s opinion. Some movies are ahead of the curve.
He continued,
Innovation is not always embraced and art is to be interpreted and it’s subjective. I’ve had a career of making classic movies that weren’t critically received and those movies went on to be classics. So don’t take anyone’s opinion just go see for yourself. Love to all.
The Storyline and Cast of Him
Him features Marlon Wayans as a legendary NFL player who mentors a promising young quarterback, played by Tyriq Withers. The story highlights the challenges both face as they pursue success in the highly competitive American football league, requiring important sacrifices along the way. The cast also includes Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Tierra Whack, and Naomi Grossman, contributing to the film’s diverse ensemble.
Public Reception and Box Office Performance
Despite the critical negativity, Him has shown strong commercial results, earning approximately $14 million worldwide. It has ranked at the top of the North American box office, illustrating a disconnect between reviewers and the audience’s interest. Wayans draws from his experience with previous projects—such as White Chicks, the first two Scary Movie films, A Haunted House, and Don’t Be a Menace to South Central While Drinking Your Juice in the Hood—that similarly defied initial criticism to achieve lasting popularity.
What This Means for Marlon Wayans and the Film’s Future
Marlon Wayans’ defense of Him highlights ongoing tensions between film critics and viewers, especially for projects that challenge conventional expectations. As the film continues to perform well commercially, it underlines the power of audience support in determining a movie’s impact. The outcome may encourage filmmakers to continue taking creative risks, trusting that success is not solely defined by critical reviews.
