You’ve seen the trailers. You’ve probably seen the memes. And if you’re like most people, your first reaction was something like, “Wait, the White Chicks guy and the Get Out guy are actually making a movie together?”
Honestly, it sounds like a Mad Libs generator gone rogue. But in 2025, it became a very real, very weird reality.
When word first leaked that Marlon Wayans was starring in a project produced by Jordan Peele, the internet basically went into a tailspin. People were expecting a spoof. Maybe Scary Movie 6 but with high-brow social commentary? Instead, we got something much more unsettling. We got HIM.
Why the Marlon Wayans and Jordan Peele Link-Up Isn't Actually That Crazy
If you look at the surface, these two couldn't be more different. Wayans is the king of the high-energy, "I’ll do anything for a laugh" physical comedy. Peele is the architect of modern "elevated horror" (a term he actually kinda hates, but it stuck).
But here’s the thing: they both speak the same language.
Comedy and horror are basically cousins. They both rely on timing, tension, and a sudden release of energy. Whether you’re screaming because a jump scare got you or because Marlon just did something insane with a vacuum cleaner, the physical reaction is almost identical.
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Peele has always been a fan of the Wayans legacy. He knows that Marlon isn't just a goofball; the man has serious dramatic weight when he wants to use it. Remember Requiem for a Dream? Exactly. Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions didn't cast him for the laughs. They cast him because they needed someone who could play a "GOAT" with a soul that’s slowly rotting.
What Really Happened with "HIM" (Formerly Known as GOAT)
The movie, originally titled GOAT, was one of the most talked-about scripts on the 2022 Black List. It wasn't written by Peele—it came from Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie—but once Jordan Peele put his name on it as a producer, the expectations hit the ceiling.
The plot is basically every athlete’s worst nightmare.
Tyriq Withers plays Cam, a rising star quarterback who gets a chance to train at the isolated compound of his idol, Isaiah White (played by Wayans). Isaiah is the greatest of all time. He’s got eight championships. He’s also... well, he’s definitely not just drinking protein shakes.
The Twist Most People Missed
The film isn't just about football. It’s a "blood-chilling" look at what happens when we worship people too much. Wayans plays Isaiah with this terrifying, curdled charisma. One minute he’s your mentor, the next he’s forcing you into a literal pentagram on a 50-yard line.
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The movie actually hit theaters on September 19, 2025. And yeah, the reviews were... divisive.
- The Critics: A lot of them weren't feeling it. It currently sits at about 30% on Rotten Tomatoes.
- The Fans: Some people loved the sheer audacity of it. The visual of Marlon Wayans demanding a blood sacrifice is something you don't forget easily.
- The Box Office: It made about $28 million on a $27 million budget. Not a blockbuster, but in 2026, we’re still talking about it.
Marlon actually went on Instagram to defend the film. He basically told people to relax, pointing out that White Chicks and Scary Movie got trashed by critics too, and those are cult classics now. You’ve gotta respect the hustle.
The 2026 Update: Where Do They Go From Here?
As of right now, in early 2026, everyone wants to know if they’ll work together again.
Jordan Peele is currently in a bit of a "mad scientist" phase. His fourth directorial feature (the one everyone was waiting for in 2024, then 2026) has been pulled from the Universal schedule. He’s starting over. He’s looking for something new.
Meanwhile, Marlon is leaning back into his roots. He’s officially confirmed that Scary Movie 6 is happening. He’s even mentioned that the new one will take shots at recent horror hits like Sinners and Longlegs.
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Does this mean the Marlon Wayans and Jordan Peele era is over?
Probably not. HIM showed that there’s a massive audience for Black-led horror that doesn't follow the usual rules. Even if the movie didn't "win" the box office, it proved Marlon can lead a psychological thriller and that Peele’s brand is strong enough to take massive risks on "unconventional" casting.
What You Should Do Now
If you haven't seen HIM yet, you should probably find it on streaming. Don’t go in expecting Get Out and don’t go in expecting A Haunted House. Go in expecting a weird, sweaty, uncomfortable dive into the dark side of sports.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Watch the Dramatic Wayans: If you only know Marlon from his comedies, go watch Air or Respect. It’ll help you appreciate what he was trying to do in his collaboration with Peele.
- Track the Monkeypaw Slate: Jordan Peele’s company is still the most interesting thing in horror. Keep an eye on their 2026 releases—they usually announce projects with very little warning.
- Revisit the "GOAT" Concept: The original script for HIM is still floating around online if you know where to look. It’s a fascinating read to see how the story changed from the "Black List" version to what ended up on screen.
Whether you loved the movie or thought it was a total fumble, you can’t deny that the pairing of these two was the most interesting thing to happen to the genre in years.
To get the full picture of Marlon's range before his next big project, check out his recent stand-up specials to see how he's been processing his transition from "slapstick legend" to "horror antagonist."