*Marlon Wayans is standing by his latest project, “HIM,” despite a rocky box office debut and a wave of negative reviews from both audiences and critics.
The football-themed horror film, directed by Justin Tipping and produced by Jordan Peele, stars Wayans alongside Tyriq Withers. According to THR, the movie debuted in second place at the domestic box office with $13.5 million, just shy of its $15 million projection. “HIM” earned a lackluster C- CinemaScore from audiences, and a 28 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In response to the backlash, Wayans addressed fans directly on Instagram, sharing screenshots of Rotten Tomatoes scores for his past films “White Chicks” and the first two “Scary Movie” installments — both of which developed strong cult followings.
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“Just to be clear… I respect critics,” Wayans wrote in the caption. “Their job is to Critique. I respect their work. It shapes our industry. But an opinion does not always mean it’s everyone’s opinion. Some movies are ahead of the curve. Innovation is not always embraced and art is to be interpreted and it’s subjective.”
The comedian/actor added that many of his most beloved films were initially met with lukewarm responses. “I’ve had a career of making classic movies that weren’t critically received and those movies went on to be CLASSICS. So don’t take anyone’s opinion just go see for yourself. Love to all. Him in theaters now.”
In “HIM,” Withers plays a promising young quarterback whose career takes a dark turn when he accepts mentorship from a veteran player, played by Wayans, who teaches him how to succeed “at any cost.”
Speaking with THR at the premiere, Wayans explained why the filmmakers wanted him for the role. “They’re like, ‘You’re one of one. You’re the only one who is doing what you’re doing at the level that you’re doing it,’” he recalled. “Other people have — Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy, Jim Carrey — but right now, the world hasn’t seen your everything, so let’s go do it.”
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