“You’ve never seen a sports movie like this,” says Marlon Wayans, as he, producer Jordan Peele, director Justin Tipping, and actor Tyriq Withers break down a first look at the new film HIM. There’s no debating Wayans’s assessment, because the film seemingly smashes the traditional sports flick theme of “sacrifice for greatness” with the horror genre’s warning of misplaced worship.
In HIM, rising football star Cam Cade (Withers) sees his career nearly destroyed after a brutal attack. When his idol, legendary QB Isaiah White (Wayans), offers to train him in an isolated compound, Cam jumps at the chance. But as the mentorship turns twisted, Cam is pulled into a dangerous game where the price of greatness may be his very soul.
The Monkeypaw Productions film also stars Julia Fox, alternative comedian Tim Heidecker, Australian comic Jim Jefferies, MMA heavyweight fighter Maurice Greene, rapper Guapdad4000, and Grammy nominee Tierra Whack. Justin Tipping directed the movie from a Black List script by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie.
HIM is a chilling dive into fame, obsession, and the high cost of excellence. See HIM in theaters September 19.
