Supernatural Showdown: ‘HIM’ Director Reveals Chaotic Ambiguity of Final Scene, Confirms “300 Different Edits”

The new supernatural horror film, ‘HIM,’ a brutal and visceral take on the dark side of professional sports co-produced by Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions, has stirred immediate and intense debate among fans, particularly concerning its explosive and highly ambiguous final scene. Director Justin Tipping has now weighed in on the controversy, confirming that the confusion and lingering questions are entirely intentional, a result of a grueling editing process that saw the conclusion of the film take on countless forms.

In an exclusive interview with GamesRadar+, Tipping admitted that achieving the perfect blend of visceral horror, thematic clarity, and necessary ambiguity for the finale was a razor-thin balancing act. “There were so many conversations, between the studio, [Jordan Peele’s production company] Monkeypaw, and myself,” Tipping stated. “I have about 300 different edits of that final scene.” This staggering number underscores the artistic and commercial pressure to stick the landing on a film that fuses high-stakes football drama with a chilling Faustian cautionary tale—a perfect recipe for high-value online keyword searches and sustained media discussion.

“How Much is Too Much?”: The Fine Line of Horror Explanation

The film follows college quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers) as he trains with the legendary, enigmatic, and deeply disturbed GOAT, Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans), only to uncover a sinister, age-old ritual involving blood transfusions, demonic contracts, and the true, chilling meaning of the acronym ‘G.O.A.T.’ (Greatest Of All Time, which the film cleverly ties to the demon god of greed, Mammon).

The final act sees Cade commit a brutal act of defiance, refusing to sign a contract that would officially initiate him into a demonic cult of team owners and sacrifice his soul for glory. This refusal leads to a cathartic, bloody rampage against the corporate villains.

Tipping explained that the ambiguity was a careful calculation to avoid tipping the scales into parody or over-explanation. “How much is too much? What’s the right amount of explanation?” was the central question driving the 300 edits. He noted that even minor adjustments—like an extra few seconds on an intense reaction shot or too many of Tim Heidecker’s (who plays Cade’s agent) improvised lines—could derail the film’s careful tone.

Tipping acknowledges that the ‘wild’ nature of the ending means he won’t “necessarily satisfy everyone’s ultimate, total wish,” but ultimately, the send-off was designed to match the absurdity and underlying horror of the system the film critiques.

The Metaphor of Mammon: Critiquing the Exploitation Economy

Beyond the jump-scares and gore, ‘HIM’ is being praised for its dark social commentary, a signature of the films under the Monkeypaw umbrella. The director confirmed to USA Today that the literal demonization of the “GOAT” concept was key to his vision. By making the quest for athletic greatness a literal deal with the devil—Mammon, the demon god of greed and wealth—Tipping transforms the film from simple horror into a profound metaphor for the exploitation of athletes in the corporate sports machine.

The final, bloody stand-off is not just a fight for survival, but a “revolution” against a toxic system, as Tipping views it. “It’s an end to a system,” he said. “It is an answer. It is not the open-ended horror trope ending like he says yes and it’s going to go on and the curse is never going to end. This felt like, no, it can end. It just takes courage.” This final, violent rejection of the “Hero Worship” and the “cult of celebrity” that profits the rich, white owners at the expense of the predominantly Black players’ bodies and souls, is the thematic core that Tipping and his editorial team fought so hard to protect.

An Alternate, More Horrific Ending Confirmed

For those who found the theatrical ending to be too definitive, Tipping offered an exciting, and chilling, tease. He revealed that he and editor Taylor Joy Mason not only completed the 40 main versions, but they also shot a more traditional, and more horrific, alternate ending. This version, which Tipping coyly referred to as a “traditional horror end,” will likely be made available in the future, providing fans with another layer of debate and potentially boosting digital sales and VOD rentals.

The sheer effort—300 edits, intense studio conversations, and the guiding hand of a horror veteran like Peele—demonstrates the commitment to crafting an ending that is both commercially shocking and intellectually resonant. ‘HIM’ has secured its place as one of the year’s most talked-about, debated, and keywords-rich horror movie releases.

Key Takeaways from the Director’s Cut:

• The film’s ambiguity is a result of 300 edits and intense debate between the director, studio, and Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw.
• The ending serves as a social critique on the exploitation of athletes and the toxic business of professional sports.
• The acronym GOAT is revealed to be tied to the demon god of greed, Mammon, adding a literal supernatural layer to the film’s metaphor.
• Cade’s final rampage is viewed by Tipping as a “cathartic resolution” and a form of “revolution.”
• An alternative, more “traditional horror end” was filmed and is expected to be released at a later date, ensuring sustained fan engagement.