Marlon Wayans has stepped forward to defend the football-themed horror movie Him, directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, amid widespread critical disapproval following its theatrical release last week. Starring as Isaiah White, a legendary quarterback who mentors a promising young player in a brutal training program, Wayans urges audiences to withhold judgment until they experience the film themselves.
An Intense Storyline Exploring Ambition and Dark Mentorship
Him follows Cameron Cade, played by former college wide receiver Tyriq Withers, a rising football star whose identity revolves entirely around the sport. Just before the professional scouting Combine, Cameron is violently attacked by an unstable fan, resulting in severe brain trauma that threatens to end his career. At his lowest point, he is taken under the wing of Isaiah White, a cultural icon and eight-time championship quarterback portrayed by Wayans. Isaiah invites Cameron to his remote compound, shared with his celebrity influencer wife Elsie White, played by Julia Fox, to undergo a rigorous and escalating training regimen. However, as the sessions progress, Isaiah’s charismatic facade begins to deteriorate, drawing Cameron into a disturbing psychological spiral with potentially devastating consequences.
Marlon Wayans Urges Audiences to Form Their Own Opinions
On September 19, the day Him premiered in theaters, Wayans posted on Instagram encouraging viewers not to rely solely on critics’ negative reactions before watching the film. He highlighted the disparity that often exists between critics’ scores and audience appreciation, referencing his own career, where many of his films initially received poor reviews but later gained cult status. Wayans pointed out that Him was experiencing similarly mixed responses, with a 28% rating on Rotten Tomatoes contrasted by a 60% audience rating on Popcornmeter at that time.
“Just to be clear… I respect critics,”
Wayans wrote.
“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. 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. Him in theaters now.”
– Marlon Wayans
Critical Response Highlights Strong Acting but Flawed Execution
While the film itself was widely criticized, Wayans’ portrayal of Isaiah White received acclaim, being described by many fans and commentators as his strongest performance to date. Observers noted his ability to convey a complex, darker character outside of his familiar comedic roles, and some even suggested his work deserved recognition in a figurative “Hall of Fame.”
Despite this, the movie struggled with a poorly developed screenplay and scattered thematic content, which reviewers said led to an unsatisfying and chaotic ending. Julian Roman of MovieWeb strongly condemned the film’s narrative and technical elements, suggesting it might be “the worst film of 2025.”
“The Jordan Peele-produced football horror thriller bashes the senses with gruesome imagery, mind-numbing strobe effects and shaky cinematography in an ugly narrative.”
– Julian Roman, MovieWeb
Box Office Performance Reflects Mixed Audience Reception
As of September 21, Him had earned $13.5 million domestically across the United States and Canada, debuting in second place behind the continuing success of the anime film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle. The film added $362,000 internationally, bringing its total worldwide gross to approximately $13.9 million. Negative reviews may hinder audience turnout and word-of-mouth momentum as Him progresses through its theatrical run. Still, the moderately positive audience score suggests that many viewers remain curious to judge the film on their own terms.
Main Cast Brings Physicality and Tension to the Screen
The cast features Tyriq Withers in the lead role of Cameron Cade, whose dedication to football drives the story’s central conflict. Marlon Wayans plays Isaiah White, the enigmatic mentor whose influence takes a darker turn, while Julia Fox appears as Elsie White, adding further complexity to the isolated training environment. Supporting characters, such as Benny Mathis and Connor Dane, contribute to the film’s tense atmosphere and layered narrative.
Marlon Wayans’ Him defense underscores an ongoing debate between critical reception and audience interpretation, especially in films that blend genres and challenge familiar storytelling conventions. As the movie remains in theaters, its ultimate impact and legacy will depend on how viewers respond to the provocative, unsettling journey it presents.
