The official trailer for HIM, a horror film produced by Oscar-winner Jordan Peele under Monkeypaw Productions, has been released ahead of its September 19, 2025 theatrical debut via Universal Pictures. Directed by Justin Tipping, the film explores a dark coming-of-age narrative centered on the pressures of fame and the pursuit of excellence in professional sports.
HIM follows the story of Cameron Cade (played by Tyriq Withers, known for Atlanta), a promising quarterback whose life is shattered by a career-threatening brain injury sustained during an attack by a fan. On the brink of losing everything, Cam is offered guidance by his idol, Isaiah White (portrayed by Marlon Wayans), an eight-time championship-winning quarterback who has since become a cultural megastar. The mentorship session at Isaiah’s secluded compound, shared with his influencer wife Elsie White (played by Julia Fox), takes a disturbing turn as Isaiah’s charm unravels into something sinister, forcing Cam into a psychological journey with potentially devastating consequences.
The supporting cast features comedian Tim Heidecker (Us), Australian comic Jim Jefferies, MMA fighter Maurice Greene, and hip-hop artists Guapdad 4000 and Tierra Whack, all making their feature film debuts. The screenplay was co-written by Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, and Justin Tipping, adapting a Black List-acclaimed script. The film carries an R rating for strong bloody violence, language, sexual content, nudity, and drug use.
According to industry insiders, production presented challenges, especially in portraying a psychological horror deeply intertwined with one of America’s most beloved sports. Withers noted the demanding nature of both physical and mental preparation and praised Universal Pictures and the Monkeypaw team for pushing creative boundaries. Produced alongside Peele are Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson, with David Kern and Kate Oh serving as executive producers.
HIM promises to offer a chilling and thought-provoking exploration of identity and the dark side of sports stardom, continuing Jordan Peele’s trend of innovative horror cinema grounded in contemporary themes. Tickets for the film are not yet on sale.
