First Look at HIM: Jordan Peele Takes Psychological Horror to the Football Field
by Justine Norton-Kertson
Vanity Fair has unveiled an exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpse of Jordan Peele’s latest psychological horror project, HIM. Directed by Justin Tipping, the film is set to hit theaters on September 19, 2025, and promises to deliver a blood-chilling exploration of fame, power, and the dark side of athletic ambition. Produced by Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, HIM has already set itself apart as a genre-bending entry in the world of sports horror.
A Western Spin on Sports
Described by Tipping as “a sports movie translated through a classic spaghetti Western lens,” HIM follows a rising football star (played by Tyriq Withers) who is invited to train under the legendary quarterback of a dynasty team, portrayed by Marlon Wayans. The film delves into the isolated, almost cult-like environment of an elite football training compound, where mentorship blurs into manipulation and ambition spirals into obsession. Universal Pictures describes the project as “a blood-chilling journey into the inner sanctum of fame, power, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost.”
An All-Star Cast and Creative Team
The cast includes not only Wayans and Withers but also Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies. Hip-hop stars Guapdad 4000 and Tierra Whack make their feature film debuts, adding a layer of cultural dynamism to the film’s narrative. The screenplay, penned by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, was featured on the 2022 Black List of best unproduced scripts and is billed as “an anti-sports horror movie.”
Behind the camera, HIM benefits from Monkeypaw Productions’ powerhouse team of producers, including Peele, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson, with David Kern and Kate Oh serving as executive producers. Monkeypaw, known for acclaimed films like Get Out, Us, and Nope, has become synonymous with groundbreaking, socially charged horror.
The Evolution of HIM
Originally titled GOAT, the film’s thematic elements explore the sacrifices made in the relentless pursuit of greatness, casting a critical eye on the commodification of athletes. The title change to HIM underscores the film’s intimate focus on its two central characters—a young player with everything to prove and a legendary quarterback grasping to maintain his fading legacy.
While HIM is directed by Tipping, it continues Peele’s tradition of using horror to examine broader societal issues. This project joins a growing slate of Peele-related endeavors, including a potential return to the world of Nope, a remake of Wes Craven’s The People Under the Stairs, and his mysterious collaboration with gaming visionary Hideo Kojima. Monkeypaw Productions’ most recent release, Monkey Man, directed by Dev Patel, showcased the studio’s ability to blend action with deeper themes, further heightening anticipation for HIM.
With its innovative premise and powerhouse team, HIM promises to be a bold addition to the horror canon. Set against the high-stakes backdrop of professional sports, the film will likely raise questions about identity, ambition, and the cost of greatness. For fans of Peele’s socially conscious horror and Tipping’s sharp storytelling, HIM is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing films of 2025.
Mark your calendars: HIM will hit theaters on September 19, 2025, and it’s a game you won’t want to miss.
