Jordan Peele’s Darkest Nightmare Yet: What ‘HIM’ Has in Store…

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As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve noticed a refreshing influx of innovative voices and perspectives in recent cinema, skillfully blending traditional horror elements with contemporary flair. One such visionary who has left an indelible mark on the genre over the past decade is none other than Jordan Peele. Known for his side-splitting comedy duo with Keegan Michael Key on Comedy Central and a versatile acting resume, Peele has recently chosen to tread different career paths, each pursuing unique projects. While Keegan delved deeper into musical theater, starring in ‘The Prom’ in 2020 and ‘Schigadoon!’, Jordan opted for the horror genre. He made his directorial debut with ‘Get Out’ in 2017, winning an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. This film masterfully combines incisive racial and class critiques with spine-chilling horror, garnering praise for its exceptional performances and mind-bending twists.

After the success of “Get Out”, Jordan Peele has continued to direct films like “Us” and “Nope”, which share his signature style and surprising plot twists that challenge audience perspectives by blending horror with social commentary. Notably, Jordan Peele established Monkeypaw Productions, a studio that specializes in producing thought-provoking films, largely focusing on the horror genre and giving voice to Black stories and narratives. Besides Peele’s three movies, Monkeypaw Productions is also known for “BlacKkKlansman”, the 2021 reboot of “Candyman”, and the stop-motion animated film “Wendell & Wild”. One of Monkeypaw’s upcoming projects, titled “HIM“, is generating much excitement, promising a gripping and intense experience in line with the studio’s vision.

The Film Has an Array of Talent Working On and Off Camera

As a passionate cinephile, I can’t help but express my excitement about Justin Tipping, who’s known for his impressive work in both television and film, taking on not just the director’s chair but also the writer’s hat for an upcoming movie. He’s teaming up with screenwriters Skip Bronkie and Zachary Akers, the masterminds behind the captivating podcast drama, “Limetown.”

Joining Jordan Peele, this film is being produced by Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal M. Watson, and executive produced by David Kern and Kate Oh. These names are significant within Monkeypaw Productions, having contributed to numerous other projects, and I’m confident that their unique touch will be evident in “HIM” as well.

Kira Kelly, an acclaimed cinematographer who received an Emmy Award nomination, takes on the role as cinematographer, famously associated with the 2016 documentary “13th,” directed by Ava DuVernay. This film is skillfully edited by Taylor Joy Mason, a multiple Emmy Award winner, who has also contributed to projects like ” ” and “Blade Runner 2049.” The team, including Mason, was the first all-Black group to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming.

If the team wasn’t quite large enough, the movie features comedic icon Marlon Wayans and newcomer Tyriq Withers, both known for their roles in and Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead. The film also includes Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, and hip-hop artists Guapdad 4000 and Tierra Whack, who are making their acting debut in this movie.

I’ve been characterized as an “anti-sports horror movie” and aim to delve into the themes of fame, success, and perseverance with a chilling undertone. The incorporation of several comedic actors, given my more somber mood, raises intriguing questions to contemplate. Similar to many of Jordan Peele’s films, there’s a comedic flair, but it’s always balanced by ominous undercurrents that lead to a thought-provoking cinematic experience.

HIM is a Ferocious Sports Drama and Chilling Horror Movie Combined

The preview effectively showcases the movie’s objectives, initially appearing as if it’s about an ordinary football journey. Cameron Cade, portrayed by Withers, is tested to unprecedented heights in his football career, with Isaiah White, played by Wayans, serving as his mentor, motivating him to explore the depths of his mental and physical capabilities to reach greatness. However, the mood changes dramatically when Jordan Peele’s name appears boldly on screen in vibrant red, signaling to viewers that this movie won’t shy away from plunging into a dark, unsettling vortex.

After that, the trailer transitions into a chilling mosaic of unsettling visuals, as Isaiah poses the question to the main character about what he is prepared to give up. Oddly dressed characters emerge, and Cameron is put through intense ordeals, some of which seem to be tainted by a cult-like influence that will twist his reality into an unavoidable nightmare. The trailer implies, through close-ups of the mouth and eyes and subtle hints, that there will be gruesome violence in store.

The brief summary for the trailer reveals the storyline where Cameron, injured the night before football’s yearly scouting Combine due to a horrific, possibly career-ending incident, gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to learn from Isaiah White, an eight-time championship quarterback at a secluded facility. However, what initially appears as his redemption towards greatness turns out to be a sinister plot that demands far more from the young athlete than he could have ever anticipated.

Based on this description, it’s reasonable to expect that the movie “HIM” will primarily revolve around the traditional sports narrative, but with a twist. Instead of following the usual trajectory, it could turn the film into a chilling, genuinely terrifying experience for viewers. While sports aren’t usually associated with horror films, there have been instances where these genres intersect, like in “Fatal Games” and the psychological thriller “The Fan”. With “HIM” focusing on the harsh realities of the sports industry, including the sacrifices athletes make to achieve success and the brutal hardships they face along the way, this film appears set to surpass expectations by skillfully blending these two seemingly incongruous genres.

The movie titled HIM is planned for a premiere on September 19, 2025, coinciding with the kickoff of the NFL’s 2025 season. This month is when horror enthusiasts get ready for Halloween, leading to numerous horror marathons nationwide. With both horror and sports being central to American society and traditionally celebrated during Fall, HIM serves as an excellent precursor for other horror films coming out around the same time. Following the success of Monkeypaw’s previous hit, Monkey Man, a captivating action thriller starring and directed by Dev Patel, HIM is set to release shortly. Up next is Jordan Peele’s highly anticipated fourth film, originally scheduled for Christmas Day in 2024 but postponed due to the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.>

As a cinephile, I can’t help but feel a palpable sense of anticipation, eagerly waiting for the appearance of him in the upcoming film. Some have drawn striking comparisons between him and the award-winning body horror film, not just in terms of aesthetic, but also in the deeper themes they both explore. It’s fascinating to see how this work delves into the pressures and expectations faced by men in the sports world, a topic that resonates deeply with me.

Given Jordan Peele’s role as a primary producer and the film featuring two main Black actors, there’s a strong possibility that racial themes will be addressed in the storyline, focusing on the unique challenges Black athletes encounter and the prevalence of racial bias. With such high anticipation leading up to its premiere, HIM is expected to garner both significant box office and critical acclaim, potentially earning a place among the most impactful Monkeypaw productions yet, despite stiff competition from other outstanding studio offerings.

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2025-04-26 03:51