Horror followers have eaten effectively this yr with titles like Sinners, The Monkey, and Weapons having dominated the 2025 film slate. Nonetheless, early opinions ought to have been a sign, HIM, the latest horror film from Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, could not crack many year-end favorites. Marlon Wayans, by no means shy about defending his work, provided a refreshingly measured response, including perspective and reminding followers of one thing.
As an alternative of clapping again or blaming the critics, Wayans took the chance to place his profession in context. Over on Instagram, the comedian-actor shared a carousel of screenshots of a number of of his most poorly reviewed movies and their Rotten Tomatoes scores—White Chicks (15%), Scary Film 2 (13%), and A Haunted Home (10%). The films have been trashed by critics however went on to change into fan favorites, and sure, legit cult classics, hailed as among the finest works of the Wayans household. Within the caption, Wayans didn’t simply defend HIM—he defended the concept that opinions don’t all the time seize a film’s legacy:
Simply to be clear… I respect critics. Their job is to Critique. I respect their work. It shapes our trade. However an opinion doesn’t all the time imply it’s everybody’s opinion. Some motion pictures are forward of the curve. Innovation isn’t all the time embraced and artwork is to be interpreted and it’s subjective. I’ve had a profession of constructing basic motion pictures that weren’t critically acquired and people motion pictures went on to be CLASSICS. So don’t take anybody’s opinion simply go see for your self. Like to all. Him in theaters now.
All issues thought of, it’s a balanced reply, and truthfully? A welcome one. Wayans doesn’t dismiss opinions outright, however as an alternative he calls their work essential, even shaping the movie trade as an entire. Nevertheless, he attracts a line between critique and consensus. The actor’s huge filmography is a superb reminder as a result of critics panned most of his comedies, but they continue to be fan-favorites, regardless of many suppose they’re cult basic that truly sucks. Nevertheless, that does not cease the Wayans brothers’ flick from being endlessly quoted and memed many years after its launch.
That’s the guts of the Little Man star’s argument: movie is subjective, and typically audiences and critics merely diverge. He’s leaning into the concept that time is the last word critic. What would possibly look disposable within the second can find yourself defining a technology’s humor or style years later. It’s a stable level, albeit I’m not completely positive if I agree together with his tackle this explicit film.
HIM has all of the components for a hanging horror story. The flick tells the story of Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), a rising quarterback whose profession nosedives after a violent run-in with a fan. When issues look bleak, his idol, Isaiah White (Wayans), gives to coach with him at a distant compound. Nevertheless, the mentorship rapidly takes a sinister flip. Isaiah’s appeal devolves into manipulation, drawing Cam right into a harmful spiral. It actually has the makings of a horror hit!
Many critics argue the Justin Tipping-helmed movie favors fashion over substance, which probably fueled its tough viewers reception. In CinemaBlend’s assessment of HIM, my colleague Eric Eisenberg praised the “nice concepts” and “fascinating fashion,” however finally felt the film got here up empty. Nonetheless, I like Wayans’ confidence within the film’s legacy. He is aware of that the majority critics didn’t just like the film (which sits at 29% on Rotten Tomatoes), however he’s urging followers to evaluate it for themselves as an alternative of letting scores set expectations.
That stated, viewers response hasn’t been glowing both. The Popcorn Meter is just 57%, which is best than the critics’ rating however nothing to have fun. Nonetheless, I agree with Wayans in that these curious to see the film and make up their very own thoughts ought to head to their nearest theater.
As for Marlon Wayans’ subsequent large undertaking, he’s focusing on latest horror heavyweights—name-checking Sinners, Longlegs, and extra—for the upcoming Scary Film 6, which is slated for the 2026 film calendar.