Football Meets Horror in ‘Him,’ Starring Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers

LAS VEGAS, April 2, 2025 — Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers took the stage at CinemaCon on Wednesday to unveil details about their upcoming horror film, ‘Him,’ which blends the world of football with spine-chilling elements. The film, directed by Justin Tipping, is set to hit theaters on September 19, coinciding with the onset of the 2025-26 NFL season.

During the presentation, Wayans and Withers, appearing still in-character, engaged in a playful banter. Wayans jokingly commanded, “Did I say it was time to talk, Withers? Drop down and give me 20,” exhibiting a humorous take on their dynamic. In this context, Wayans described ‘Him’ as reminiscent of a classic 1990s sports movie, saying, “It’s kinda like Rudy.” To which Withers quickly responded, “It’s nothing at all like Rudy,” emphasizing the film’s unique narrative that explores deeper themes.

The first-look trailer, which has not been shared publicly, starts with Wayans’ character posing a chilling question: “You have to ask yourself, ‘What am I willing to sacrifice?’” The viewers are shown a series of snapshots filled with danger, injury, and eerie supernatural imagery, promising a story that goes beyond ordinary sports drama.

‘Him’ follows a young, promising quarterback (Withers) who is invited to a secluded training camp under the guidance of an aging and enigmatic player (Wayans). However, the footage suggests that this camp may be more sinister than it appears, spotlighting elements such as goat imagery, blood, and eerie women, hinting at a dark twist on the sports genre.

“You have never seen Marlon like this, ever, ever, ever,” Withers mentioned, hinting at a departure from Wayans’ previous comedic roles. “We wanted to blend live sports with horror, creating something that felt memorable, unique and that burrows under the skin,” he added.

The movie’s script comes from Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, which previously made the Black List. Besides Wayans and Withers, the film features Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Guapdad 4000, and Tierra Whack in supporting roles. Producers include influential names like Jordan Peele, Ian Cooper, Win Rosenfeld, and Jamal Watson, ensuring that ‘Him’ is one of the most anticipated projects in the horror and sports genres this year.

CinemaCon, held annually from March 31 to April 3, serves as a platform for exhibitors and Hollywood studios to showcase their upcoming films and innovations. This year’s presentation was organized by Cinema United, formerly known as the National Association of Theatre Owners.