The next feature from Jordan Peele’s acclaimed Monkeypaw Productions, a psychological horror film titled Him, is already carving out its place as one of 2025’s most anticipated and debated releases. While the film promises to deliver the high-concept, socially relevant terror that has become the studio’s trademark, it has also ignited a fervent online discussion, with a growing number of commentators claiming the film contains overtly demonic and satanic themes.
The brand of Jordan Peele and his Monkeypaw Productions has become synonymous with a new wave of intelligent, auteur-driven horror. Films like Get Out, Us, and Nope have redefined the genre, blending terrifying premises with sharp social commentary. The studio’s upcoming feature, Him, directed by Justin Tipping, appears poised to continue this tradition, but with a thematic darkness that is already sparking a significant cultural conversation nearly a year before its scheduled September 2025 release.
The film’s premise is a potent setup for psychological drama. It follows a promising young football prodigy, played by rising star Tyriq Withers, who is given a life-changing opportunity to train under a legendary but troubled veteran quarterback, portrayed by the versatile Marlon Wayans. Marketed as a story about the “pursuit of greatness at any cost,” the plot reportedly centers on the sinister, diabolical secret the mentor harbors, forcing the young athlete to confront the true price of his ambition.
This narrative framework—the classic “deal with the devil”—is a familiar trope, but one that Monkeypaw is expected to infuse with contemporary relevance. The film’s themes of sacrifice for success are deeply resonant in a culture obsessed with fame and achievement, particularly within the high-stakes worlds of professional sports and the entertainment industry itself. It explores a terrifyingly relatable question: what parts of one’s soul must be compromised to reach the pinnacle of a chosen field?
The project aligns Peele’s production house with a movement of original, thought-provoking genre filmmaking, drawing comparisons to creators like Zach Cregger, whose film Barbarian captivated audiences with its unpredictable and intelligent horror. These filmmakers prioritize unique stories that challenge audiences and linger long after the credits roll, a stark contrast to the industry’s current focus on established IP and sequels.
While the film’s thematic depth and stylish cinematography are generating positive buzz, a parallel and more provocative narrative is taking shape in online forums and on social media. A growing number of users and conspiracy theorists are claiming that the film’s subtext is not merely metaphorical but literal. The argument gaining traction is that Him is not just about a deal with the devil, but is instead a direct depiction of demonic, satanic, and Luciferian rituals and symbology.
This “satanic panic” style of debate points to several key elements. The film’s minimalist title, Him, is being interpreted by some as a direct and unambiguous reference to a malevolent, satanic entity. This theory is further fueled by the revelation that the protagonist’s name is Damien, a name inextricably linked to demonic horror through the classic 1976 film The Omen. Commentators are speculating that the film may be embedded with subliminal messages and symbols, intended to be a genuine exploration of satanic influence in the pursuit of power.
This burgeoning controversy places Him in a fascinating position. The duality of its interpretation—as either a smart, metaphorical psychological thriller or a literal demonic horror film—is creating a level of pre-release discourse that marketing departments dream of. It is unclear whether this was an intentional strategy by the creative team, but it effectively taps into a cultural history of moral panic surrounding provocative horror films.
Regardless of the filmmakers’ intent, the conversation is highlighting the power of provocative art to spark debate. Whether Him is ultimately a commentary on the human condition or a more overt supernatural tale, it is already succeeding in getting under the public’s skin. With its compelling premise, strong cast, and the seal of quality from Monkeypaw Productions, Him is undeniably one of the most intriguing titles on the 2025 slate, promising a cinematic experience that will be dissected and debated long after its release.
