Marlon Wayans Pushes a Football Phenom to the Edge in Trailer for Jordan Peele-Produced *‘Him’*
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Marlon Wayans Stars in Twisted Football Horror Tale in First Trailer for Jordan Peele-Produced Him
Marlon Wayans takes a dark and dramatic turn in the chilling first trailer for Him, a new horror-thriller with a sharp psychological edge, produced by Jordan Peele. Known for his comedic genius, Wayans now steps into far more sinister territory as a mysterious mentor with a brutal training regimen in this haunting sports-meets-horror film.
Directed by Justin Tipping and backed by Universal Pictures, Him is set to hit theaters nationwide on September 19. The film made its first splash at CinemaCon earlier this month, where it stunned audiences with its unsettling tone, disturbing imagery, and gritty realism blended with the supernatural. The buzz has only intensified since.
The story centers around an up-and-coming college quarterback, played by Tyriq Withers, whose dreams of NFL stardom seem to be coming true. When he’s recruited by a washed-up former football legend (Wayans), the rookie enters into an intensive mentorship that quickly veers into bizarre and terrifying territory. What begins as a rigorous training schedule turns into a twisted descent into madness, obsession, and sacrifice. Success, it seems, comes with a price far greater than blood, sweat, and tears.
Wayans’ character — part coach, part cult leader — introduces the young athlete to a series of brutal, mind-altering drills that blend old-school discipline with something much more unsettling. As the lines blur between reality and nightmare, the quarterback begins to question whether he’s chasing greatness or being consumed by something far more dangerous.
Withers leads a compelling ensemble that includes Uncut Gems star Julia Fox, comedian Tim Heidecker, actor and stand-up star Jim Jefferies, as well as Akeem Hayes and Tierra Whack in standout roles. The cast brings both star power and indie credibility to a film that refuses to play by the rules of traditional sports dramas or horror fare.
The screenplay, written by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, was previously featured on the prestigious Black List, a curated selection of the most promising unproduced screenplays in Hollywood. Known for spotlighting bold and visionary storytelling, the Black List nod hints at the kind of sharp social commentary and genre-bending storytelling Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions has become known for.
Speaking of Monkeypaw, the producing team is stacked. Alongside Peele himself, Him is produced by Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal Watson. Their combined efforts have shaped a film that doesn’t just scare — it provokes, questions, and disorients, in the best possible ways.
Visually, Him promises a unique cinematic experience. The trailer features eerie locker room scenes drenched in shadow, surreal dream sequences, and ritualistic workouts that toe the line between athletic discipline and cult indoctrination. There are no jump scares for the sake of it here — the horror seems to stem from the psychological unraveling of identity, masculinity, and ambition.
With themes that touch on toxic sports culture, generational trauma, and the lengths some are willing to go for success, Him looks ready to join the ranks of elevated horror, much like Peele’s own Get Out and Us. And with a fresh voice like Justin Tipping at the helm — known for his work on Kicks and Dear White People — the film appears poised to inject new energy into the genre.
Whether you’re a football fan, a horror lover, or someone who enjoys the kind of socially-conscious storytelling Jordan Peele champions, Him is shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing and unsettling releases. And with Wayans showing a chilling new side of his talent, it may very well become a career-defining role.
Mark your calendars for September 19 — the game is on, and this one’s a nightmare you won’t want to miss.
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