Hugh Grant’s chilling transformation: From rom‑coms to horror in "Heretic"

Although for years he was associated with romantic comedies like "Bridget Jones's Diary" and "Love Actually," Hugh Grant has turned to experiments in the twilight of his career. Now, we will see him as a psychopath in the horror movie "Heretic" from A24.

Last year, Hugh Grant surprised fans by playing a wizard in "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves," Now he's delivering an even bigger surprise. The actor, known for his roles as a lover in romantic comedies, will portray an older man who plays a deadly game with two younger women.

A trailer for the new horror movie "Heretic" from A24 has appeared online. In it, Hugh Grant plays the lead role of a psychopathic murderer.

In the trailer, his character lets two Mormon missionaries into his home as they spread their religion door-to-door. When they realize the man has no intention of letting them go, they panic, discovering there is no escape from his house. Grant's character gives them a choice: if they want to get out alive, they must choose one of the paths based on their faith or lack thereof.

We expect that the horror will be psychological, likely avoiding scenes of excessive violence, guts, and blood. Nonetheless, the project looks interesting, if only because of Hugh Grant's leading role, whom we don't typically associate with such productions.

The film is being produced under the aegis of A24, which has credits like "Ex Machina," "The Witch," "Hereditary," "Moonlight," and "Uncut Gems," so we can have high expectations for the new horror movie.

Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East will accompany Grant in the leading role. The direction and screenplay are handled by the duo Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, who have the script for the hugely popular "A Quiet Place" to their credit. The film "Heretic" is set to debut in theaters this November at 6:00 PM Eastern Time.