Exclusive: Marlon Wayans & Tyriq Withers Talk Horror Hit ‘HIM’

Marlon Wayans and Tyriq Withers sit down with That Grape Juice to discuss their upcoming Horror, ‘HIM,’ the power of debate in art, and defining greatness.

Whether you love it or hate it, ‘HIM’ has everybody talking. Wayans described the Horror movie as “controversial” as it has divided fans and critics alike following its release in the US. Its release in the UK today (October 3) will provoke more debate and important discussions around art.

The visually striking and gripping movie follows a promising young football player, Cameron Cade (Withers), who is attacked by an unhinged fan and suffers a potentially career-ending brain trauma. When all seems lost, Cam receives a lifeline when his hero, Isaiah White (Wayans), offers to train Cam at his isolated compound.

Having established him as one of the comedy greats in the ‘Scary Movie’ franchise, ‘White Chicks,’ and ‘Don’t Be a Menace…’, Wayans shows a different side of himself as the villainous Isaiah White in what is being described as a career-best performance.

The movie also sees a powerhouse performance from Withers as Cameron Cade, who is hotly tipped to be one of the next big things in the movie industry.

That Grape Juice (Adam Davidson): The movie has been released in the US, and it’s been interesting to see the different reactions… What does this say about the importance of conversation and debate within art?

Marlon Wayans: I think this movie stirred up a lot of conversation, and I think that’s what makes it a great film. You hate it or love it and everywhere in between, but it’s something to talk about. There’s something to love about so many things in this movie that I’m just happy to be a part of this painting. It’s controversial, and I like that.

Tyriq Withers: I want to immerse myself in art that creates those uncomfortable conversations, and that’s the epitome of a great film, if some people like it and other people don’t. Art is subjective. I’m still processing it all, but the beautiful nature of it is that 100s and 100s of people are pouring their love into this movie. It takes 96 minutes to develop an opinion on this movie, but it took years from when this movie was written to shooting it to editing it. I want to keep making art that makes those conversations.

That Grape Juice: Marlon, I interviewed you last month about the movie and you said something really interesting about 3 takes: the wild take, the grounded take, and somewhere in between… Were there any memorable moments that didn’t make the cut? And did anything take you by surprise, Tyriq?

Marlon: Oh yeah, a lot of it [laughs.] I didn’t know what I was going to do so how do you prepare for that! I remember this one scene…

Tyriq: Pubic hair?

Marlon: He had this little annoying happy trail on his stomach, this hair.

Tyriq: God forbid I have natural hair growth.

Marlon: It was just getting on my nerves. It was getting on my nerves during the scene, and I saw that happy trail and just snatched it out, and pubic hair was dropping to the floor as tears welled up in his eyes. It was just like, “Where did that come from?” I don’t know. It was untethered, man.

Tyriq: That specifically stood out. There was this one time where I was getting angry in a scene, and he was like, “Look at you getting mad, looks like someone looked the dust off a hot cheeto.” I said, “What!?” It just broke me. There was this moment in the film where Malek [Maurice Greene] was like, “All I’ve got is a hard dick and bubblegum, and I’m fresh out of bubblegum.” What? It just took me right out of the scene. I’m dealing with all the comments being thrown at me, and I’m trying to keep a strong fortress.

TGJ: After ‘Him,’ people are tipping Tyriq to be one of the next big things in Hollywood, and equally, people have said this is one of Marlon’s best career performances… What places did you need to go to tap into this energy and deliver these performances?

Marlon: I think it was mental and spiritual. It’s learning what it is to be mentally sound to be a great. I read Tim Grover’s book ‘Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable.’ It’s about Coolers, Closers, and Cleaners. He trained Michael Jordan, Dwayne Wade, and Kobe Bryant, and it’s what it takes to be a cleaner. I want to be a cleaner. I looked at my career, and I’ve been a closer for too long; now it’s time to be that dude. I dove into it and gave my best work every day; I lived this.

Tyriq: I think it’s about tapping into that real-life emotion and grief and serving it as a vessel. I study a lot of Uta Hagen’s teachings, and she has a wonderful masterclass. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting her before she passed away, but learning the elements from her and the art of nothing and applying it to this movie. It was a process and a physical process where I had to train a lot, and that whipped me into shape mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and psychologically.

That Grape Juice: Everyone has their own definition, but what does greatness mean to you?

Tyriq: I think greatness for me is carving your own way to that end goal, and it doesn’t have to abide by anybody’s rules, but don’t be afraid to be unapologetically you and never be satisfied with being satisfied.

Marlon: I think greatness is all of that work that you put in to get to the game, before the lights come on. [It’s about] the thousands of hours that you put in the work to be prepared for that little synapse where the ball comes to you and you’re so prepared that you’re going to dunk it every time, you’re going to score. You’ve prepared in blood, sweat, and tears for the glory that comes after you arise at that moment.

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‘HIM,’ which is produced by Jordan Peele, is playing in UK theaters from today, October 3.

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