New York – After experiencing some technical difficulties during a Zoom call, Hugh Grant opted to switch to a phone interview, offering a candid view into his quirky personality. “Tech hell,” he sighed, humorously referring to smartphones as the “devil’s tinderbox,” lamenting their impact on our lives with, “I think they’re killing us. I hate them.” Grant prefers to disconnect during his long holidays, relishing a few days free from technology.

This aversion to modernity contrasts sharply with the themes of his latest film, *Heretic*, which delves into the unsettling dynamics of faith and morality. In this horror thriller, directed by the acclaimed duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods (*A Quiet Place*), Grant stars as Mr. Reed, a seemingly charismatic man whose chilling nature is gradually unveiled as he engages two young Mormon missionaries, played by Chloe East and Sophie Thatcher.

After decades of charming audiences through romantic comedies, Grant’s transition to more sinister characters has garnered significant acclaim. In *Heretic*, his transformation into a villain reaches new heights, leaving behind the lovable stammerer from *Four Weddings and a Funeral* and the swoon-worthy romantic in *Love Actually*. Instead, he takes on the role of a moral antagonist, testing the faith and resilience of his guests in disturbingly unexpected ways.

“It was a challenge,” Grant reflects on this new chapter in his career. “I think human beings need challenges. It makes your beer taste better in the evening if you’ve climbed a mountain.” His character, Mr. Reed, is a “scholarly creep,” known for his enchanting yet disturbing monologues, embodying a blend of intellectualism and malevolence.

As the interview unfolded, Grant humorously shared anecdotes about the film, including an unexpected moment of levity—his impression of Jar Jar Binks, which he confirms was partly his own idea. This quirky touch, set against the sinister backdrop of the film, adds depth to a character that is as complex as it is compelling.

When asked about the surge of popularity in horror films, Grant speculated, “Maybe these are the end of times... We know it deep down but for some reason we won’t confront it.” His thoughts were punctuated with a genuine concern over the decline of movie theaters and communal viewing experiences, calling the trend of solitary streaming a “deeply tragic” turn of events.

Moreover, Grant discussed his evolving approach to choosing roles. “If the character amuses me and I think I’m going to enjoy being that person, then I tend to do the job,” he noted, reflecting his renewed alignment with personal enjoyment over traditional success metrics.

The actor also shared nostalgic reflections on his early career, expressing gratitude for his previous collaborations with gifted writers like Richard Curtis, whose work often explored the complex relationship between humor and pain. He is similarly thankful for the unexpected accolades he received for more dramatic roles, which he finds oddly fulfilling.

While embracing the darkness in his craft, Grant remains a lover of classic cinema and musical performances, mentioning his upcoming invitation to the 60th anniversary of *The Sound of Music*. He humorously considered donning traditional lederhosen or his childhood costume from his portrayal of Brigitta Von Trapp.

The conversation turned introspective as Grant admitted that exploring darker characters has felt cathartic, providing an avenue for him to delve into the complexities of human behavior. His meticulous preparation for roles greatly contrasts with his earlier career in romantic comedies, where he felt less able to explore the depths of character development.

As *Heretic* opens in theaters, Grant faces the next chapter in his career with intrigue. “Maybe it’s song and dance,” he mused, leaving the door open for future projects. This new direction not only showcases Grant’s versatility as an actor but also signals a thrilling evolution for his fans, who can look forward to witnessing his darker, more complex characters in upcoming projects. Will Hugh Grant continue to surprise us, or will he return to his rom-com roots? Only time will tell!