Hugh Grant Steps into a New Role

In an unexpected twist for fans of romantic comedies, Hugh Grant is stepping into the shoes of a horror villain in the upcoming film *Heretic*, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The film pivots around Mr. Reed, a seemingly harmless man who draws two young Mormon missionaries into his home, turning an innocent religious discussion into a nightmare scenario.

Crafting a Complex Villain

As the directors conceptualized their antagonist, they envisioned a character who could effortlessly blend charm and menace. "He had to evoke a sense of danger while also feeling safe, embodying those contradictory traits," Beck explains. It was during the casting deliberations that they fixated on one name: Hugh Grant. “As soon as we thought about him, we knew: ‘This has to be Hugh Grant,’” Beck adds.

The Plot

*Heretic* begins with Sister Barnes (Sophie Thatcher) and Sister Paxton (Chloe East) knocking on the wrong door while proselytizing. Initially, Mr. Reed, clad in a cozy cardigan and armed with silly jokes, welcomes them with the scent of blueberry pie wafting through his home and offers them drinks. However, the unsettling undercurrents emerge as Reed morphs from a jovial host into someone who preaches his own dangerous ideologies.

Character Inspiration

Inspired by real-life figures like atheists Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens, as well as notorious cult leader Keith Raniere, the directors spent months collaborating with Grant to refine the character. Grant's fascination with Raniere particularly influenced his portrayal of Reed, as he aimed to capture the deceptive eloquence and false sense of intelligence that Raniere exuded.

A New Perspective on Hugh Grant

The film capitalizes on the irony of Grant’s historical roles as a charming lead in romantic comedies. "He was never threatening in those films. But placing him in a thriller changes that perception completely," Woods explains. The tension in *Heretic* escalates as viewers realize the missionaries' complacency in the face of escalating danger—a dynamic that mirrors the subtlety of manipulative debates found online today.

Unsettling Conviction

What sets Grant’s character apart as deeply unsettling is his unwavering conviction and the strategic logic he employs to dismantle the sisters' beliefs. "He studies his opponents exhaustively, anticipating their arguments, making it seem less like a discussion and more like a game," Beck adds, illustrating how the film serves as a reflection of toxic online discourse.

Release Date

*Heretic*, set to hit theaters on November 8th, promises to be a bone-chilling exploration of faith, manipulation, and the dark side of charm. Are you ready to see Hugh Grant in a light you've never imagined? Prepare for a gripping experience that will leave you questioning what lies beneath the surface of a friendly smile!