Hugh Grant has established himself as a romantic lead with his charm and sarcasm, starring in several fan-favorite romantic comedies before moving on to more serious roles. In recent years, Grant has moved away from traditional “good guys” roles and into villains, and will be turning to horror in A24's next film.
Famous for roles in romantic comedies such as the 1994 Four Weddings and a Funeralof 2003 Love reallyand 1999 Notting HillGrant has moved into different genres, including Guy Ritchie's action films The Man from UNCLE AND The gentlemenand musical imagination Mr. Wonkaas well as a couple of TV roles that led to Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Speaking about his move to “bad guy” roles, Hugh Grant told Entertainment Weekly that he's glad no one wants him to play a romantic lead anymore and that bad guy roles are more appealing. His next project is the psychological horror film Heretic.
“Let's face it, nobody wants me to play the romantic lead role anymore,” Grant began talking about his days as a good leading man, “and Thank God they don't do that.” His most recent roles in Paddington 2, Wonka, The DownfallAND Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves laid the groundwork for his transition to a more terrifying role.
They are tough and always on the edge of boredom. They are very difficult people, good people or heroes.
“Every actor really prefers it,” he explains his move to villains. “I think you'd be hard-pressed to find an actor or actress who said, 'I just like playing good people.' They are tough and always on the edge of boredom. They are very difficult people, good people or heroes. And there always seems to be more juice in an evil character. It's a fascinating discussion about why this happens and why audiences, since the beginning of time, have always latched onto the bad guys sometimes when they don't really latch onto the good guy. So it's always tempting for an actor.”
Directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, Heretic is a psychological horror film that casts Grant as the villain. The film also stars Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East as two young missionaries who attempt to convert Grant's Mr. Reed to the Mormon faith, but he turns out to be more dangerous than initially believed. The horror film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival and will be followed by a wide release in the United States on November 15, 2024. However, early reactions have been mixed, as the horror film boasts an 87% approval rating from critics, with many reviews praising Grant's performance.
Hugh Grant to Return to Romance in Upcoming Bridget Jones 4
Hugh Grant's time in romantic comedies isn't quite over yet, as he has officially been tapped to return to the Bridget Jones franchise. The upcoming film, Bridget Jones: Crazy for the boywill see Grant reprise his role as Daniel Cleaver nearly two decades after appearing in 2004 Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason.
Grant also explained that he has his updates at Bridget Jones 4 script and, while he was happy with the initial draft, felt he could have done more. He told Entertainment Weekly: “I loved the script, it made me cry and I wanted to help out with this“, Grant said, adding, “But there's actually no part for Daniel Cleaver. They wanted him there, and ultimately, they had done something that I wasn't crazy about.” Ultimately, his updates made it into the final script, and Grant promises that “you'll be very moved,” though he admitted he wasn't in the film “a lot.”
His return to less villainous roles bodes well for a possible cameo in the next Knives out third chapter, Wake up, dead manThe actor appeared briefly in the sequel, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mysteryas Benoit Blanc's partner. Her involvement in the upcoming film is unconfirmed, but she could make a new cameo.
Heretic will be released on November 15, 2024, with Bridget Jones: Crazy for the boy which is scheduled to premiere on February 14, 2025.
Source: Entertainment Weekly