Everything We Know About the Upcoming 2025 Horror Film HIM

The first trailer for HIM, the upcoming sports-horror film from Monkeypaw Productions (Candyman, Nope), has officially dropped—and it’s already sparking excitement from genre enthusiasts. Directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, the genre-blending thriller is set to hit U.S. theaters on September 19, 2025, via Universal Pictures. And with it setting itself up to blur the lines between psychological horror and sports drama, the film is quickly shaping up to be one of the year’s most unconventional releases. Here’s what we know so far.

HIM (2025), Courtesy of Universal Pictures

Plot and Cast

HIM follows Cameron Cade, a rising football star on the brink of an NFL career, played by Tyriq Withers. Just before the Combine, Cameron is involved in a disturbing and violent incident that derails everything. Seeking redemption—or at least a second chance—he’s invited to a private training compound by Isaiah White, a retired football legend played by Marlon Wayans in a striking dramatic role. But what begins as a mentorship quickly spirals into something far more sinister.

Also starring in the film are Julia Fox as Isaiah’s influencer wife, Elsie White, alongside Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Tierra Whack, and Maurice Greene.

Trailer Breakdown

The trailer leans heavily into psychological and supernatural horror. As Cameron trains under Isaiah’s watch, he begins to experience demonic visions, ritualistic imagery, and cult-like behavior that hints at something darker than just athletic discipline. With flashes of violence, surreal dream logic, and symbolic visuals—like a blood-soaked football field and ghostly apparitions—the film draws clear inspiration from both sports thrillers and elevated horror.

Fans have already compared it to Whiplash with a demonic twist, combining themes of greatness at all costs with the eerie aesthetics Peele’s production company is known for.

Production and Development

Originally titled Goat, the script by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie first appeared on the 2022 Black List of top unproduced screenplays. Monkeypaw Productions acquired the project later that year (partnered with Universal Pictures) and developed it into what is now HIM. Filming wrapped in late 2024, and the final cut runs approximately 96 minutes.

What We're Expecting

With Jordan Peele producing, a standout premise, and a cast that mixes dramatic weight with surreal intensity, HIM is poised to bring something entirely new to horror. It’s a story about ambition, sacrifice, and the monsters that follow greatness—and based on the trailer, it’s going to hit hard.

Check out the trailer for HIM included below.


Aedan Juvet

With bylines across more than a dozen publications including MTV News, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Teen, Bleeding Cool, Screen Rant, Crunchyroll, and more, Stardust’s Editor-in-Chief is entirely committed to all things pop culture.

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