Jordan Peele, known for his influential work as a filmmaker and producer in the horror genre, released his newest project, Him, on September 19. Despite Peele’s established reputation in the industry, the Jordan Peele horror film struggled significantly during its opening weekend across North America. With a modest production budget, expectations were cautious, but the film’s early earnings suggest a steep challenge ahead for financial success.
Box Office Earnings and Budget Analysis
The film Him, backed by Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and directed by Justin Tipping, collected $13.25 million in North America during its debut weekend but experienced a steep drop immediately after. It earned less than $1 million in domestic ticket sales on Monday following the opening. Data indicates a 61.1% decline from the previous day with Monday’s revenue at just $946,000, bringing the total domestic gross to $14.19 million.
Internationally, the film’s performance was much weaker, accumulating only $258,000, which accounts for roughly 1.8% of its global total after four days. Overall, the worldwide box office figure stands near $14.45 million, significantly below expectations.
Financial Challenges in Reaching Break-Even
Industry reports, including those from Variety, estimate the production budget for Him at approximately $27 million. While this is moderate by Hollywood standards, the total cost to break even—factoring in marketing and distribution—has been placed near $67.5 million globally. This large gap between earnings and the break-even point creates uncertainty about the film’s prospects moving forward.
Compounding this challenge is the absence of strong word-of-mouth or social buzz around the movie. With several other horror films competing in theaters, Him’s ability to attract larger audiences is limited. Early reviews have been unfavorable, and the film offers few standout elements to entice viewers. As a result, reaching even $50 million worldwide may prove difficult.
Plot Overview and Context for the Film
Him centers on a young football player undergoing intense training at a secluded estate managed by a retired quarterback whose once-charming nature becomes increasingly ominous. This sports-themed horror thriller attempts to blend athletic ambition with eerie psychological elements, following Peele’s signature style of incorporating social commentary within genre storytelling.
Significance and Outlook for Jordan Peele’s Horror Project
Jordan Peele first gained major acclaim with his directorial debut Get Out, earning an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay and becoming the first Black screenwriter awarded this honor. Since then, Peele has reshaped contemporary horror through thoughtful, socially conscious narratives. However, Him’s lackluster financial results highlight the unpredictability of box office performance, even for established creators.
The current trajectory suggests that unless the film experiences a surge in audience interest or positive critical reception, it will face substantial difficulties recouping its costs. The situation underscores challenges in launching new horror entries amidst a crowded marketplace and elevated viewer expectations.
