When Justin Tipping, the director of the new thriller HIM, sat down with Radio Times on , he confirmed that a alternate ending exists – one where the film’s hero, Cameron (played by Tyriq Withers), actually sells his soul to the devil.
Background: The Film and Its Premise
HIM hit U.S. theaters on , introducing audiences to a brutal seven‑day gauntlet inside the fictional Saviors football league. The plot follows Cameron, a gifted but vulnerable rookie, as he navigates violent contracts, corporate exploitation, and a final showdown that asks whether he will retain his humanity.
The film is a joint effort of Monkeypaw Productions, the Los Angeles‑based outfit founded by horror maestro Jordan Peele, alongside producers David Kern and Win Rosenfeld. Writer‑director Tipping co‑wrote the screenplay with Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie.
What the Alternate Ending Entails
In the theatrical cut, Cameron refuses a soul‑selling contract, turns violent, and kills the Saviors' executives—a cathartic, chaotic climax that critics called “darkly hopeful.” By contrast, the unreleased version flips the script. Tipping described it as a “Faustian deal” where Cameron says yes, shaking hands with a demonic figure and effectively handing over his autonomy.
Two YouTube analyses, posted on and , break down the footage. In one, Marlon Wayans’s character Isaiah watches a victorious Cameron on a private field, trembling and visibly broken—hinting at the price of the devil’s bargain.
Creative Decisions Behind the Cut
Tipping explained that the team collectively chose the theatrical ending because it “felt more darkly hopeful, cathartic, and f***ed up,” aligning with the film’s satire of professional sports leagues that prey on players’ health. He added that the alternate sequence was kept as a “what‑if” for future release, offering fans a glimpse into a more nihilistic universe.
“There’s something about us landing on the original version that resonated with the story’s texture,” he said. “But we love having a darker sibling that says, ‘What if you sell your soul?’”
Critical Reception and Fan Reaction
Reviews have been mixed. One critic praised the “unexpected finale” while noting that the movie’s “mixed bag of a conclusion may divide audiences.” The same piece lauded Wayans for “stealing the show” and Withers for delivering a “physically arresting performance.” Fans on social media have been buzzing about the potential streaming Easter egg Wayans hinted at during press tours.
On Twitter, a trending hashtag #HIMAlternate sparked speculation about whether the darker cut will be included in the film’s upcoming digital release. Some viewers argue that the alternate ending would undermine the narrative’s message of agency, while others say it adds a chilling layer of horror that fits the Monkeypaw brand.
Streaming Release and the Easter Egg
Monkeypaw Productions has not announced a concrete date for the streaming debut, but insiders expect it to land on a major platform by early 2026. Wayans teased, “look out for a little Easter egg,” though he stopped short of describing its nature. The consensus among analysts is that the alternate ending could be tacked onto the end‑credits or offered as a selectable bonus, giving viewers a reason to revisit the film.
If the darker version does appear, it may reignite debates about artistic intent versus marketability, a conversation that has long haunted horror and sports dramas alike.
Broader Implications for Genre Storytelling
The decision to film and hide a second ending reflects a growing trend among filmmakers to create multi‑layered narratives that can be reshaped for different distribution windows. It also underscores Monkeypaw’s willingness to experiment with morally ambiguous endings—a hallmark of Peele’s own oeuvre.
For the sports‑drama genre, the alternate ending pushes the envelope by injecting outright supernatural horror into a story already saturated with real‑world exploitation. Scholars may soon cite HIM as a case study in how modern cinema blends genre conventions to comment on contemporary labor issues.
Key Facts
- Director: Justin Tipping
- Lead actor: Tyriq Withers
- Co‑star: Marlon Wayans
- Producers: Jordan Peele, David Kern, Win Rosenfeld
- Production company: Monkeypaw Productions (Los Angeles)
- Theatrical release:
- Alternate ending reveal:
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly changes in the alternate ending?
Instead of refusing the contract and killing the Saviors' executives, Cameron accepts a demonic pact, effectively selling his soul. The scene shows him shaking hands with a shadowy figure and later appearing a broken, haunted version of himself.
Will the alternate ending be on the streaming release?
Monkeypaw has hinted that an Easter egg will reveal extra footage when the film arrives on a streaming platform, likely early 2026. No official confirmation has been made, but industry buzz suggests the alternate cut could be a selectable bonus.
How did critics respond to the original ending?
Reviews called the theatrical finale "unexpected" and praised its dark humor, while noting it might alienate viewers who prefer a more hopeful resolution. Performances by Wayans and Withers were singled out as standout elements.
Why did the creators choose the theatrical ending over the darker one?
Director Justin Tipping said the team felt the original cut resonated better with the film’s themes of agency and rebellion, offering a "darkly hopeful" tone that matched the satire of a predatory sports league.
What does the alternate ending say about the film’s message?
The Faustian twist deepens the commentary on exploitation, suggesting that some athletes may feel compelled to surrender their souls—figuratively or literally—to survive the industry's relentless demands.