What would you sacrifice to achieve everything you’ve ever wanted? In the warped and twisty new horror, HIM, Academy Award-winner Jordan Peele and Monkeypaw production invites moviegoers to ask themselves that same question.
Newcomer Tyriq Withers plays Cameron Cade, a highly sought-after quarterback who’s dedicated his life and identity to football. On the eve of a yearly football scouting, Cade suffers a nearly career-ending injury from an unhinged fan who attacks him, thwarting his dreams before they can take off.
And just when all hope seems lost, Cade receives a helping hand from his hero, eight-time championship quarterback Isaiah White. Played by Marlon Wayans, fans will see and experience this legend in a new, electrifying (and terrifying) light. White offers to train Cam at his isolated compound that he shares with his celebrity influencer wife, Elsie White (Julia Fox), and from there, the wild ride begins.
Complex’s Speedy Morman hosted a panel with the HIM cast and director Justin Tipping to dive into the making of the film.
For Marlon Wayans, whose role pushes the story along, he spoke candidly about going there in a way fans have never seen from him.
“I was able to be unhinged because this movie was a journey of trust. I finally had a producing team, a director, and a cast that allowed me to be unhinged,” he said.
Shepherding Wayans through new theatrical terrain was director Justin Tipping, who was also on hand for the panel discussion. The Oakland, California native said making HIM required working with a fearless team, which is why Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw production was a perfect fit.
“Everything that Jordan and Monkeypaw do, they do something that's not been done before.” Justin Tipping said.
And as far as Withers, in the starring role, he had nothing but gratitude.“This is my first studio film. Thank you to Monkeypaw for believing in me,” he said.
Yet for those who aren’t into thrillers and don’t love sports, Julia Fox said HIM still has something they can latch onto.
“I think this movie feels so right now and so timely, and it’s going to resonate with a lot of people. And if you’re not into sports, you can relate to yearning and wanting… and wanting something so bad and getting it and being like wait,” Fox said.
Don’t forget to check out HIM in theaters September 19.