It begins like any American dream—bright lights, roaring crowds, and a young athlete with everything to prove. But in Jordan Peele’s latest production, HIM, that dream quickly curdles into a nightmare. Behind the glitz of the NFL and the hero worship lies a terrifying truth: not all legends are born, some are built and broken.
The movie, which is already driving fans into a frenzy, refuses to play by the rules. Melding sports drama with occult horror, HIM is unlike anything Peele has ever touched. And while the release date has been confirmed, what really matters is how the tension is already taking over the internet—months before the kickoff.
HIM Release Date Speculation and Strategy
While the official release date is now confirmed, getting there was a strategic move. According to insiders at Deadline, Monkeypaw Productions deliberately avoided the summer superhero chaos to claim a quieter, more sinister spot in the fall calendar.
Now, it’s official: HIM will hit theaters on September 19, 2025.
That timing isn’t random—Jordan Peele’s previous films (Nope, Us) also debuted during off-peak windows and ended up dominating both box offices and conversations. With awards season right around the corner and horror fans hungry for a fresh genre blend, HIM is aiming to own the Halloween corridor with a powerful, psychological punch.
Cast & Crew: A Dream Team Gone Dark
On the Field:
- Marlon Wayans as Isaiah White – once America’s most celebrated quarterback, now a reclusive, powerful mentor with terrifying intensity.
- Tyriq Withers as Cameron Cade – a promising athlete searching for redemption but finding something far more sinister.
- Julia Fox as Elsie White – Isaiah’s influencer wife who walks the line between seductive and threatening.
- Supporting cast includes Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Maurice Greene, Guapdad 4000, and Tierra Whack.
Behind the Camera:
- Directed by Justin Tipping, making a sharp pivot from indie dramas to full-blown psychological horror.
- Written by Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, and Tipping—the script was part of 2022’s Black List, spotlighting Hollywood’s most exciting unproduced scripts.
- Produced by Jordan Peele, Ian Cooper, and Win Rosenfeld through Monkeypaw Productions.
The Plot: Obsession, Identity, and Sacrifice
At first glance, HIM sells itself as a redemption story. Cameron, disgraced and desperate, is offered a second chance. But what appears to be a coaching opportunity is actually a descent into ritual and manipulation.
Isaiah’s compound isn’t just a training facility—it’s a shrine. As Cameron pushes himself physically and mentally, he begins to unravel. Strange dreams, masked ceremonies, group chanting, and demands for total submission blur the line between mental strength and brainwashing.
“They said I could be the next great. I didn’t know greatness came with a price.” – Cameron (trailer quote)
The film explores timely themes—how toxic masculinity, ambition, and blind loyalty can become tools for destruction. It’s Get Out with a helmet and cleats.
The Trailer: Rituals in Shoulder Pads
The official trailer for HIM is a jarring mix of prestige drama and dread. Watch it here:
What We See:
- Tyriq Withers stars as Cameron Cade, a rising college quarterback whose career is nearly ended by a violent attack from a fan.
- His journey takes a dark turn when he’s recruited to train under retired football legend Isaiah White (played by Marlon Wayans) at an isolated island compound.
- The visuals swing from locker room sweat to eerie candle-lit rituals, cryptic chants, and a training program that looks more like a cult indoctrination.
- The tagline? “What are you willing to sacrifice?” And Cameron’s whispered response: “Everything.”
Jordan Peele’s production stamp is clear. The trailer blends psychological horror with social commentary and a creeping supernatural vibe. Fans immediately drew comparisons to Whiplash, Midsommar, and Nope.
Fan Theories and Reddit Buzz
The trailer alone sparked countless theories on Reddit:
“The succinct all-caps title made me think Jordan Peele was directing this one.”
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byu/indig0sixalpha from discussion
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“So very happy to see Marlon Wayans back doing serious shit… or anything for that matter. He’s so underrated…”
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A viral thread even claimed the script is loosely inspired by real-life NFL scandals involving celebrity trainers and underground rehab programs—though this hasn’t been confirmed.
FAQ: Burning Questions Fans Are Asking
What genre is HIM?
HIM falls under the horror-thriller category, but it doesn’t stop there. It blends elements of psychological horror, sports drama, and cult mystery—creating a layered experience that explores the price of ambition in a hyper-masculine world.
Who stars in the lead roles?
Marlon Wayans takes a dark turn as Isaiah White, a once-glorious NFL figure hiding sinister secrets. Rising star Tyriq Withers plays Cameron Cade, the haunted protagonist seeking redemption and possibly something darker.
Is it based on a true story?
A: No, HIM is not based on a true story, but many fans speculate that it borrows loosely from real-world sports scandals and power dynamics within elite training camps. These influences give the fictional story a chillingly believable edge.
Who directed it?
Justin Tipping is at the helm as director. Known for his grounded indie dramas, this marks his most ambitious leap into horror. Jordan Peele joins as producer, bringing his signature eerie realism and social commentary to the forefront.
Final Thoughts: More Than a Game
HIM isn’t just a horror movie—it’s a statement. With its eerie visual language, powerhouse cast, and Jordan Peele’s signature touch, it promises to be one of 2025’s most unsettling releases. Whether you’re a football fan or a horror junkie, this twisted tale of fame, fear, and fanaticism will stick with you.
What do you think—are we looking at the next Get Out? Or something even darker? Let us know your theory in the comments.
