Marlon Wayans' Shocking Casting Choice Linked to Director's Own Dark Past

Justin Tipping's Directorial Debut 'Him' Takes a Dark Turn with Marlon Wayans Casting LOS ANGELES - Justin Tipping, director of the psychological horror film "Him," revealed that his decision to cast Marlon Wayans in the lead role was influenced by a pivotal event from his own adolescence. In an interview, Tipping explained how being jumped by ten kids for his Nike sneakers at the age of 15 had a lasting impact on his life and ultimately inspired his feature directorial debut, "Kicks" (2016). Tipping's experience with bullying led him to explore themes of trauma and vulnerability in his subsequent projects. When Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions acquired the spec script for "Him," Tipping was brought on board to pitch his take on the material. The resulting film blends elements of pro football and psychological horror, drawing parallels with Tipping's earlier work. "Him" follows a former NFL player who returns home after a traumatic event, only to find himself haunted by a mysterious figure. Wayans stars as the protagonist, bringing his signature comedic flair to the role. According to Tipping, Wayans' casting was a deliberate choice, one that allowed him to subvert expectations and add depth to the character. "We wanted someone who could bring a sense of humor and levity to this dark material," Tipping said in an interview. "Marlon has a unique ability to balance comedy and drama, which made him the perfect fit for this role." Tipping's collaboration with Peele's Monkeypaw Productions was a natural progression from their initial meeting following Peele's Oscar win for "Get Out" (2017). The two parties had discussed potential projects, but it wasn't until they came across "Him" that they found the right material to work together on. The film's unique blend of genres has generated buzz among horror fans and football enthusiasts alike. As Tipping prepares for the film's release, he remains committed to exploring themes of trauma and vulnerability in his work. "Him" is set to hit theaters later this year, with Tipping and Wayans already generating Oscar buzz. With its thought-provoking themes and unexpected twists, "Him" promises to be a standout film in the horror genre. Background: Justin Tipping's feature directorial debut, "Kicks," premiered at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and caught the attention of Jordan Peele's Monkeypaw Productions. The two parties collaborated on "Him," which is set for release later this year. Additional Perspectives: Marlon Wayans: "I was drawn to the complexity of my character, who is both a football player and a vulnerable individual. I think audiences will be surprised by how much depth there is in this film." Jordan Peele: "Justin's unique voice and perspective on trauma and vulnerability make him an exciting collaborator. We're thrilled to have worked with him on 'Him'." Current Status: "Him" is set for release later this year, with Tipping and Wayans already generating Oscar buzz. The film promises to be a standout in the horror genre, exploring themes of trauma and vulnerability in a unique and unexpected way. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*