Marlon Wayans Defies Critics: Him Horror-Comedy Still Scaring Up Laughs

Marlon Wayans Responds to Negative 'Him' Reviews: "Innovation Is Not Always Embraced" Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans is shrugging off the negative reviews for his new horror-comedy film, Him. Despite receiving a C- CinemaScore from audiences and a 28 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Wayans remains unfazed by the critical response. On Friday, Wayans took to Instagram to defend the project, posting a carousel of Rotten Tomatoes scores for some of his previous films that have become cult classics among fans. The post included scores from White Chicks and the first two Scary Movie features, which have been well-received over the years. "I'm not surprised by the negative reviews," Wayans said in an interview with Variety. "Innovation is not always embraced, especially when it comes to horror movies." He added that he was more concerned about the film's box office performance than its critical reception. Him opened in second place at the domestic box office this weekend, grossing a projected $13.5 million, which was below earlier estimates of $15 million. The film, directed by Justin Tippings and produced by Jordan Peele, stars Wayans alongside Tyriq Withers. Industry experts say that the negative reviews may not necessarily impact the film's box office performance in the long run. "Horror movies often have a loyal fan base, and if they enjoy the movie, they'll spread the word," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. Wayans' Instagram post also sparked a conversation about the importance of taking risks in filmmaking. "It's okay to take chances and try new things," Wayans wrote. "That's what makes art exciting." The film's underperformance at the box office may be attributed to its mixed marketing campaign, which failed to generate significant buzz among audiences. However, experts say that the film still has a chance to succeed in the long run. "Him" is currently playing in theaters nationwide, and fans can expect more from Wayans in the future. "I'm not done yet," he said with a smile. "I've got plenty of projects lined up, and I'm excited to share them with the world." As for Him, it remains to be seen how the film will perform in the coming weeks. Will its unique blend of horror and comedy resonate with audiences, or will it fade into obscurity? Only time will tell. Background: Marlon Wayans has been a staple in the entertainment industry for over two decades, known for his work on Scary Movie and White Chicks. Him marks his latest venture into the horror genre, which he says is a departure from his usual comedic fare. Additional perspectives: "Marlon Wayans is a talented actor who knows how to take risks," said Jordan Peele, producer of Him. "I'm proud to have been a part of this project." "The film's marketing campaign was confusing and didn't quite capture the essence of the movie," said Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst at Comscore. Current status: Him is currently playing in theaters nationwide, with a projected $13.5 million gross for its opening weekend. The film's future performance remains uncertain, but experts say that it still has a chance to succeed in the long run. *Reporting by Hollywoodreporter.*