Marlon Wayans Defends New Film HIM

Marlon Wayans pushed back on largely negative reviews of Jordan Peele‑produced horror HIM in an Instagram carousel, urging audiences to see the film and saying he respects critics while arguing some movies are “ahead of the curve.” Wayans cited earlier examples of his work—White Chicks, Scary Movie 2 and A Haunted House—whose low critic scores later gave way to cult appreciation as evidence that critical consensus doesn't always determine a film's legacy. HIM, directed by Justin Tipping and starring Wayans alongside newcomer Tyriq Withers, is set at an isolated training compound and examines the sacrificial, physical nature of American football in a visceral, disorienting style. Early reviews were sharply critical—complaining about the film's final act, uneven acting, and expectations tied to Peele's name—and the movie's Rotten Tomatoes score was reported in the high‑20s, with outlets like Deadline, Rolling Stone and the Los Angeles Times calling it incoherent or a "fumble," though some reviewers acknowledged its unsettling atmosphere. Many outlets praised Wayans' measured response and his urging that viewers judge the film for themselves rather than relying solely on critics.