Justin Tipping’s ‘HIM’ Peels Back the Artifice of the American Athlete

Okay, so picture this: Stefon Diggs, just slicing through defenders, making these insane moves to score a touchdown. Then he yells, “I’m him!” It’s that classic athlete confidence, you know? A mix of showmanship and pure, competitive fire. That’s what the new horror movie, *HIM*, really digs into. It’s produced by Jordan Peele, and it looks at what athletes will *do* to become famous and be remembered forever. The movie follows a college wide receiver named Cameron Cade, played by Tyriq Withers, and it’s seriously unsettling how far he’s willing to go.

Marlon Wayans takes a surprising turn from comedy, playing Isaiah White, a legendary quarterback and cultural icon. With the support of his polished wife, Elsie (played by Julia Fox), Isaiah has built his life around football and takes on Cameron as his protégé. However, his relentless pursuit of perfection pushes Cameron to his physical and mental limits. This role is a significant departure for Wayans, known for comedies like *Scary Movie* and *White Chicks*, and he delivers a powerful and unsettling performance as Isaiah desperately tries to preserve his legacy. The film also features the feature film debuts of Tim Heidecker, Grammy-nominated artist Tierra Whack, former MMA fighter Maurice Greene, and hip-hop artist Guapdad 4000.

Written by Tippings, Zack Akers, and Skip Bronkie, the film *HIM* blends unsettling horror elements-like creepy visuals and intense sound-with the energy of fast-paced sports. Produced by Jordan Peele, it explores complex themes about how athletes are turned into cultural icons and held to impossible expectations. *HIM* goes beyond typical horror, offering a smart and critical look at the journey from athlete to superstar.

Check out TopMob for our exclusive interview with Marlon Wayans, where he discusses getting ready for his new movie. And be sure to see “HIM” when it hits theaters on September 19th!

Read More

2025-09-19 23:26