The 2025 horror film Him, produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Justin Tipping, has sparked significant discussion and controversy due to its prominent use of satanic and occult symbolism. Marlon Wayans stars as Isaiah White, a legendary but sinister quarterback who leads a secretive football cult where dark rituals and supernatural elements are central to the story.

The Occult and Satanism Themes at the Core of Him

The movie goes far beyond a traditional sports drama and plunges into horror by depicting an elite football mentorship that turns into a terrifying cult experience. Cameron Cade, a young quarterback injured early in his career, is invited to Isaiah White’s secluded compound to train. There, what seems like mentorship quickly reveals itself as indoctrination into a disturbing satanic cult.

One of the most striking symbols in the film is the pentagram combined with the infinity symbol that appears during a key scene where Cameron, blood-splattered, stands atop the symbol on the football field in a pose reminiscent of Christ’s crucifixion. This imagery blends themes of sacrifice, power, and eternity—tying the occult symbolism directly to the quest for greatness and the dark costs it entails.

As described in the teaser trailer breakdown:
“In the final shot, a blood-splattered Cameron stands on the field atop a sigil that combines a pentagram with the infinity symbol. He raises his arms in a Christ-like pose to form the I in ‘Him’.”

The pentagram here serves as a powerful symbol associated with satanism and occult practices, suggesting that the football cult is steeped in rituals that transcend the physical game and venture into supernatural terror.

Audience and Critical Reactions

The use of overt satanic imagery and occult symbolism like the pentagram has fascinated viewers and critics alike but also raised concerns. Some see it as a bold narrative choice adding depth and horror to the story, while others question the growing use of demonic and occult visuals in mainstream films.

One commentary notes:
“He’s stretching out like Jesus on the cross standing on top of a pentagram with, you know, blood depicted. What is this? Like, why is this happening in Hollywood? Why are people going more and more openly demonic with their direction?”

This is a reminder that the film’s horror is not just about external scares but about spiritual and psychological corruption as symbolized by the pentagram and other satanic imagery.

Social Commentary Behind the Horror

Him uses these occult motifs not just for shock but to critique the dark side of fame, power, and idol worship. The pentagram and cult rituals symbolize how the pursuit of excellence can consume individuals, turning mentorship into blind devotion and self-sacrifice.

The film asks viewers to consider:
“When the pursuit of greatness turns into blind devotion, the real horror lies in who we choose to follow.”

In Summary

Him is a unique blend of sports drama and horror, using satanic and occult rituals—especially the evocative pentagram symbolism—to explore themes of ambition, power, and corruption. Its unsettling depiction of a football cult infused with dark rituals has made it a standout horror film of 2025, sparking both fascination and debate over its use of these potent symbols and themes.

The film releases on September 19, 2025, inviting audiences to confront the terrifying price of greatness—and what it means to truly worship in the age of celebrity.

Blake’s journey is a powerful story of resilience, faith, and leadership within the Special Olympics Texas community. As a child, Blake endured a painful and traumatic experience when a bully burned his face with hot mashed potatoes. This early moment of intense pain and fear could have held him back, but instead, it became a pivotal wakeup call. Supported by his classmates and guided by a spirit of forgiveness, Blake chose to rise above his suffering.

Recently, Blake sat down with media personality Roselyn Omaka to share his inspiring story in an open and heartfelt conversation. During their discussion, Blake spoke candidly about his journey from pain to empowerment, highlighting how forgiveness transformed his life. He emphasized that forgiveness is the cornerstone of his philosophy, drawing strength from his faith and the teachings of Jesus. “Forgiveness is the most important thing,” Blake told Roselyn, urging others to let go of grudges and pain because holding on only hurts ourselves.

Today, Blake actively competes in Special Olympics Texas in basketball and soccer, excelling in both and using sports as a platform to connect with others and promote inclusion. He has traveled to competitions within the United States and worked toward building stronger international partnerships for the Special Olympics movement. Blake’s love for basketball shines through his enthusiasm for the game’s use of hands and teamwork, embracing every opportunity to lead, speak publicly, and inspire.

Blake’s story is not just about sports but also about overcoming adversity and embracing personal growth. His experience as a Special Olympics athlete has taught him to focus on inner strength rather than others’ opinions. He advocates for living authentically and using one’s voice to foster community and bring people together.

Looking forward, Blake hopes to expand his influence into filmmaking and storytelling, aiming to share positive messages and the love of Jesus with audiences far and wide. His ultimate legacy will be one of service, compassion, and unwavering faith—an example for this generation and those to come.

Blake’s journey from a bullied child to an inspiring Special Olympics athlete, as shared in his conversation with Roselyn Omaka, shows how courage, forgiveness, and resilience can transform lives and build bridges across communities.

Shannon Sharpe, the Hall of Fame NFL tight end and prominent ESPN commentator, was fired from ESPN in late July 2025—just days after settling a high-profile $50 million lawsuit alleging sexual assault and battery brought by an ex-girlfriend. The lawsuit, filed earlier in 2025, accused Sharpe of assaulting the woman on two occasions between October 2024 and January 2025, as well as recording their interactions without her consent and causing emotional distress. Sharpe consistently denied the accusations, describing them as an attempted “shakedown,” and no criminal charges were filed against him. The details of the settlement have not been made public.

Sharpe had been absent from ESPN programming, including his high-profile spot on “First Take,” since the lawsuit was filed in April 2025. Despite his requests, the network announced his firing days before his brother Sterling Sharpe’s Hall of Fame induction. Shannon Sharpe said he was “at peace” with the decision but disappointed that the news could overshadow this milestone for his family.

ESPN has not made a public statement providing further details on the split. The decision comes after months of speculation and significant negative publicity stemming from the lawsuit and its settlement, making Sharpe’s continued role at the network untenable, despite his public denials and the absence of criminal proceedings.