Universal’s new horror film HIM flips the sports drama formula in a unique way. Jordan Peele produces, and the first look video reveals a world where football glory meets dark obsession. According to Universal and Syfy, HIM asks what anyone would sacrifice to become the greatest.
The Movie’s Story and Theme
Tyriq Withers stars as Cameron Cade, a young quarterback chasing NFL dreams. Just before his big combine, Cam suffers a brain injury after a fan attack. Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), an eight-time champion, invites Cam to train at his remote compound. Julia Fox plays Elsie White, Isaiah’s glamorous influencer wife.
Training soon spirals into something far darker. Isaiah’s mentoring shifts from inspiring to unsettling. His influence pushes Cam toward a dangerous path.
Director Justin Tipping calls HIM “a unique horror film within the world of professional sports—like nothing else I’ve ever seen.” He says, “It starts like a sports drama but goes to some really terrifying places.” Producer Jordan Peele praises Tipping as “an incredible visionary” and says, “His ability to create a world where sports and horror collide is unmatched.”
Standout Quotes From the Cast and Crew
Marlon Wayans admits this role stretches him. “This is the darkest character I’ve ever played. Isaiah is charismatic but dangerous—a force of nature,” he says in the first look featurette.
Tyriq Withers shares how filming pushed him. “You don’t just act—you live the pressure and weight of chasing your dreams while walking into nightmare territory.”
Jordan Peele says of HIM’s story, “It goes deep into obsession and what the cost of greatness really means. This movie looks at ambition like a monster that can consume you.”
Meet the Cast and Crew
Marlon Wayans is known for Scary Movie and Respect, now stepping into a much darker space. Tyriq Withers brings fresh energy from Atlanta and I Know What You Did Last Summer. Julia Fox (Uncut Gems) plays Elsie, adding a sharp edge.
The cast rounds out with Tim Heidecker (Us), Jim Jefferies (Legit), MMA fighter Maurice Greene, rapper Guapdad 4000, and Grammy-nominated Tierra Whack. Greene, Guapdad 4000, and Whack make their big screen debuts.
Justin Tipping directs HIM. Known for Kicks, Tipping co-wrote the Black List screenplay with Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. Jordan Peele, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson produce through Monkeypaw Productions, with David Kern and Kate Oh as executive producers.
Why This First Look Hits Different
Justin Tipping told Empire he wanted HIM to feel like Friday Night Lights at first, then flip into “something much darker and surreal.” He explains, “We want the audience to root for the underdog, then take them deep into horror.”
Jordan Peele’s style shines through, blending real-life struggles with supernatural dread. HIM digs into what it means to chase greatness—and the monster ambition can become. The film asks a simple question: How far will you go to be the greatest?
Release Date
Universal opens HIM in theaters on September 19, 2025. The timing aligns with the start of football season, making the story hit home for sports fans and horror lovers alike.
If fresh-layered horror with heavyweight performances is on your watchlist, HIM promises to deliver. This first look offers an unmissable glimpse at a game where winning might cost more than you ever imagined.