Charming, witty, and undeniably charismatic, Hugh Grant has captured hearts for decades, earning him a place as the quintessential romantic lead in a multitude of beloved films. From iconic roles in Notting Hill and Love Actually to his memorable performances in the Bridget Jones film series, Grant possesses a unique ability to enchant audiences, including those who may typically resist romance. However, in recent years, this talented actor has skillfully transitioned into darker roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor. In films such as Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, Grant has revealed a thrillingly different side of his acting prowess. His latest role in Heretic, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, plunges him into the unsettling world of belief systems and morality, portraying Mr. Reed, a character who subjects two unsuspecting Mormon missionaries, Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East, to a harrowing test of faith and survival.

In a recent engaging dialogue with Collider’s Perri Nemiroff, the directors delved into the intriguing decision to cast Grant as the manipulative and calculating antagonist. They emphasized that part of their fascination with Grant stemmed from his long-standing association with romantic comedies, which has endeared him to audiences globally. Beck remarked:

“That was kind of our attraction to Hugh Grant, first and foremost, when we thought of him for this role, is that he has built up so much goodwill with audiences around the world over his romantic comedy movies that we all love and grew up with, but he’s also gotten into this darker side of his persona in the last 12 years since
Cloud Atlas
. We love how the mash of those two — the charm, the wit, but the intellect and that darker edge — all coalesces into this world.”

Exploring Hugh Grant’s Portrayal of Mr. Reed in ‘Heretic’

As viewers who have caught a glimpse of the Heretic trailer can already infer, the character of Mr. Reed is depicted as a quietly disturbing individual. He resides in a home equipped with an elaborate maze designed to ensnare and torment unsuspecting victims. The directors, Woods and Beck, shared insights into how seamlessly Grant transitioned into this character, revealing the depth of his performance:

“It’s crazy seeing him on set because he feels like a method actor. He
is
Mr. Reed. You’re looking at Mr. Reed, and you’re talking to Mr. Reed, and then we’ll wrap, and then he’ll go home and he looks like a movie star. He’s so handsome and cool, and it’s like, ‘Who is this guy? We’ve been hanging out with Mr. Reed all day long.’ It’s amazing.”

The highly anticipated film Heretic is set to hit theaters on November 8. Be sure to follow Collider for an in-depth look at Nemiroff’s comprehensive interview with directors Beck and Woods. Secure your tickets for the gripping tale of faith and survival in Heretic below.

In the thrilling narrative of Heretic, audiences follow a disillusioned former monk who embarks on a dangerous quest to uncover the truth behind a legendary artifact believed to possess extraordinary power. As he navigates treacherous encounters with various factions vying for dominance, he is compelled to reassess his beliefs and confront the moral dilemmas that arise amid a growing conspiracy.

Release Date

November 8, 2024

Director

Scott Beck , Bryan Woods

Runtime

110 Minutes

Writers

Scott Beck , Bryan Woods

Studio(s)

A24

Distributor(s)

A24

Character(s)

Mr. Reed , Sister Barnes , Sister Paxton , Elder Kennedy , Prophet

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