Justin Tipping and Jordan Peele Team Up for "Him": A Psychological Horror Set to Challenge Masculinity Norms

Anticipation is mounting for the release of "Him," a psychological horror film that brings together the creative forces of director Justin Tipping and producer Jordan Peele. Slated for a theatrical debut on September 19, 2025, the film has already sparked conversations in both mainstream and LGBTQ+ media for its promise to interrogate the complex intersections of masculinity, fame, and vulnerability—topics highly relevant to ongoing dialogues within the queer community .

Produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and distributed by Universal Pictures, "Him" features a standout cast led by Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, and Julia Fox, alongside notable performances from Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, and musicians Guapdad 4000 and Tierra Whack in their feature film debuts . The screenplay, penned by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie (creators of the sci-fi series "Limetown"), promises to deliver a “blood-chilling journey into the inner sanctum of fame, power, and the pursuit of excellence at any cost” .

The official synopsis introduces Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), a rising-star quarterback whose life and identity revolve around football. After a violent attack by an obsessed fan results in potentially career-ending brain trauma, Cameron is unexpectedly invited by his hero, Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), an eight-time championship-winning quarterback, to train at his secluded estate. The story intensifies as Isaiah’s outward charisma gradually reveals a more sinister edge, sending Cameron into a psychological spiral that threatens to unravel everything he knows about himself and the sport .

The film’s teaser trailer, released in April 2025, underscores its horror credentials: helmeted skulls collide on the field, a red laser scans Cameron’s immobilized body on a bed of ice, and demonic, white-eyed faces loom before the camera. The visuals promise to reframe athletic competition through a horror lens, amplifying the tension between physical prowess and psychological vulnerability .

Justin Tipping, whose previous work "Kicks" examined the links between masculinity and violence, returns to explore how societal constructs of manhood shape—and sometimes warp—individual identity . In interviews, Tipping has questioned why traditional masculinity is often equated with emotional suppression, aggression, and dominance—an inquiry that resonates deeply with LGBTQ+ audiences seeking more nuanced representations of gender and power.

By situating "Him" in the context of elite football, a space frequently characterized by rigid gender roles and hypermasculinity, Tipping and Peele create a narrative primed to disrupt and challenge the mainstream portrayal of athletes. The film’s horror elements serve as a metaphor for the internal and external pressures faced by those who don’t—or can’t—conform to these expectations .

While "Him" is not explicitly marketed as an LGBTQ+ story, its interrogation of masculinity, identity, and vulnerability is expected to resonate with queer and trans viewers—particularly those who have experienced or observed the rigid gender codes prevalent in sports and entertainment. The film’s diverse cast, including musicians and comedians making their feature debuts, also signals a commitment to multidimensional storytelling and inclusivity .

Jordan Peele’s track record of infusing social commentary into horror, as seen in films like "Get Out" and "Nope," further heightens expectations for a narrative that examines the cost of conformity, the dangers of idolization, and the psychological toll of performance. For LGBTQ+ audiences, such themes can mirror real-life experiences of navigating authenticity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of acceptance within and beyond the sports world.

"Him" will debut in theaters nationwide on September 19, 2025, with Universal Pictures overseeing distribution. The film’s promotional materials and first trailer have already generated substantial buzz on social media platforms, hinting at both commercial appeal and cultural impact .

As conversations continue about the intersections of gender, sports, and identity, "Him" is poised to spark important dialogue—both within the LGBTQ+ community and the broader public—about what it means to be seen, to succeed, and to survive in a world that often demands conformity at any cost.