The article contains spoilers for Heretic.
As Hugh Grant takes on a dastardly and villainous role inHeretic, he thought of an elaborate and expansive backstory for Mr. Reed ahead of filming. A24’s psychological horror movie directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods sees Grant’s reclusive stranger being approached by a pair of two Mormon missionaries, challenging their faith in a twisted ordeal. Releasing to critical praise, theHereticcastalso features Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, and Topher Grace as the three Mormons who will encounter Mr. Reed on their travels.
With the movie now in theaters, Grant revealed in an exclusive interview withScreen Rantthat he considered attributes that drive his villain. Before shooting, the actorwould talk to Beck and Woods about Reed’s backstory, describing his preparation as “obsessive.”
I have a massive backstory for him, and I’ve tormented the directors in a month leading up to shooting. The older I’ve gotten, the more obsessive I’ve gotten about preparation.
Grant then revealed that this process helped him with his performance as Mr. Reed, admitting that it would relieve his nerves. Furthermore, hestated that looking back on his analysis and theorizing has brought him to ease ahead of shoots.
I think it helps in terms of the performance, but it definitely helps in terms of my nerves. I wake up in a panic thinking, “Oh God, it’s six weeks away.” And if I then do four or five hours of intense analysis, I feel calmer.
What Heretic Reveals About Mr. Reed’s Past
There Is A Desire To Explore More About The Character From All Parties
While Mr. Reed’s backstory is not thoroughly detailed throughoutHeretic, the movie hints at his past. The thriller centers on a battle of belief and a challenge of faith, with Mr. Reed proclaiming how he had deduced the one-true religion before Sister Barnes (Thatcher) and Sister Paxton’s (East) arrivals. With a study dedicated to his theology and a dungeon full of caged women,the pair may not be the first to approach Mr. Reed and face his “theories.”
Mr. Reed’s Plan In Heretic: All Twists, Reveals & Motive Explained
Hugh Grant’s villainous Mr. Reed plays a complicated role in the twisty psychological horror Heretic, and his complex plan is tough to decipher.
As such, while it is unclear whether Grant is on the same page as Beck and Woods, there is more to Mr. Reed’s story that all three parties are eager to explore. Though they call the matter of any expansions complicated, the pair admitted that they had ideas about what a prequel and sequel could entail, even withHeretic’s endingleaving Reed seemingly dead. This is particularly the case since Mr. Reed’s past remains a mystery, which could open doors for a prequel.
Our Thoughts On Grant’s Theorized Heretic Backstory
The Mystery Of Mr. Reed May Leave Viewers Coming Back For More
Hereticis an ambitious horror movie that is not only a battle of faith but also of reality, givenSister Paxton’s uncertain fate after she emerges from Mr. Reed’s home. As such, plenty of incredible detail may be hidden beneath the surface just waiting for audiences to fully unpack it. Others may be eager to discover just what Grant had theorized for himself.
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Though Grant may not have unveiled his theories about Reed’s past,his standout performance of an affable but incredibly callous and cruel man is a captivating display. As such, his dedication more than shows throughoutHeretic’s runtime, so much that even with his demise, others may wonder what led him to this path.
Heretic
Cast
Heretic, released in 2024, follows two young missionaries who must navigate a perilous test of faith when they encounter the sinister Mr. Reed after knocking on the wrong door, leading to a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse.
