Heretic Directors Reveal Who Hugh Grant’s Mr. Reed is Based on

Heretic Directors Reveal Who Hugh Grant’s Mr. Reed is Based on

As a long-time fan of thought-provoking films that delve into the complexities of human nature, I am thrilled about the upcoming release of “Heretic.” The directors’ decision to draw inspiration from Nathan Fielder’s unique approach in “The Rehearsal” for Hugh Grant’s character, Mr. Reed, piques my interest. This intriguing blend of real-life manipulation tactics and cinematic storytelling promises a captivating exploration of belief systems, psychology, and control.


Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the directors behind “Heretic”, shared their inspiration for Hugh Grant’s character, Mr. Reed. They pointed out similarities with Nathan Fielder’s work in “The Rehearsal”. According to them, Fielder’s methodical way of shaping behavior subtly affected how Mr. Reed manipulates others. This influence is reflected in the mannerisms and psychological methods that define Reed’s interactions.

Heretic directors state Hugh Grant’s Mr. Reed was inspired by Nathan Fielder from The Rehearsal

As a fervent admirer, I’d put it this way: In a chat with Inverse, the brilliant minds behind Heretic, Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, shared an intriguing tidbit. They mentioned that Nathan Fielder’s character from The Rehearsal served as a significant influence on Hugh Grant’s role in their film. Essentially, they described Grant’s character as being akin to Nathan Fielder, using decision trees and attempts to predict actions, much like a strategic puppeteer manipulating his subjects within the movie. Upon viewing The Rehearsal, they exclaimed, “Ah, that’s just like Reed!” This inspiration highlights the precise control methods Mr. Reed employs in the film, skillfully maneuvering his victims to dance according to his carefully orchestrated strings.

The project “Heretic,” spanning over a decade, focuses on Mr. Reed’s intricate plan to entangle two Mormon missionaries, probing their faith and delving into the roots of monotheism. Initially penned by Beck and Woods a decade ago, they put the script aside temporarily to conduct in-depth studies on religion and philosophy.

For approximately ten years, amidst our work on other projects, we delved deeply into the realm of religion. This involved studying numerous religions, reading their sacred texts, exploring the thoughts of diverse atheists and philosophers, and integrating these findings into our script’s dialogue,” Woods explained.

After finishing the script, it was decided that Hugh Grant would be perfect for the role. As Beck explained, “At this stage, there was no other option.” Grant immersed himself in the part, sending over 200 emails to better understand complex ideas such as Voltaire and simulation theory. His diligence added layers of complexity to Mr. Reed’s character, whose strategic maneuvers mirrored the methods used by cult leaders manipulating their followers.

Contemplating the ideas presented in Heretic, Woods stated, “Religion, in essence, is a method for shaping people’s behavior and beliefs.” This notion is evident in Reed’s character, who strives to prove his mastery over human psychology.

On November 8, the series titled “Heretic” delves into the intricate areas where faith, influence, and philosophy overlap.

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2024-11-04 13:11