“HIM” Debuts to Rotten Tomatoes Backlash

Lead: “HIM,” the new horror-sports thriller starring Marlon Wayans, opened in U.S. theaters September 19, 2025, but has earned a dismal 23 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, drawing criticism for its uneven tone and narrative gaps.

Nut Graf: The film’s release has sparked controversy by merging football lore with body-horror aesthetics, yet critics argue it underdelivers on both fronts. Industry observers note that attaching Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions couldn’t prevent negative buzz, raising questions about the appetite for genre hybrids.

Critical Reception and Scores

• Rotten Tomatoes Critics Score: 23 percent “Rotten”
• Metacritic Score: 38/100 (mixed or average reviews)

Most reviewers commend Wayans’s bold turn but lament that the film’s provocative imagery never coalesces into a coherent story. Variety called it “exhausting,” while Newsday noted the premise “fails to deliver a cohesive narrative.”

Box-Office Context

“HIM” arrived alongside several fall releases, aiming to capture both horror aficionados and sports-movie fans. Early ticket-sale data suggests moderate opening weekend draw, though negative reviews may dampen word-of-mouth.

Audience Reaction

Social-media chatter reveals polarized fan responses: some praise the film’s originality and Wayans’s performance; others criticize its pacing and muddled themes. The audience score on Rotten Tomatoes remains in flux, reflecting divided viewer opinions.

Production and Creative Team

• Director: Justin Tipping
• Producers: Ian Cooper, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld
• Screenwriters: Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie, Justin Tipping

Universal Pictures released “HIM” wide today, making it immediately available in theaters nationwide.