Hugh Grant frightens fans as ‘threatening psycho’ villain in his first proper horror film-Tori Brazier-Entertainment – Metro

Hugh Grant has stunned fans once more with the reveal of his latest film role as he takes on the part of a ‘psycho’ mysterious villain in his first straight horror movie.

The Wonka star, 63, plays rather against type as the mild-mannered but threatening Mr Reed in upcoming horror film Heretic, who traps two female Mormon missionaries in his house.

Luring Sisters Paxton and Barnes (The Fabelmans actress Chloe East and Yellowjackets star and real-life former Mormon Sophie Thatcher) into his home with the promise of blueberry pie – and the chance to get out of the rain – all seems relaxed until the girls are left on their own in the room.

Indeed, Grant has even demonstrated his well-used brand of British charm and awkwardness to put them at ease.

However, once the missionaries clock the blueberry pie candle and discover they’ve been locked in, it transpires that Mr Reed is a hard taskmaster, only willing to let them earn their potential freedom through a series of psychological games and challenges.

The actor is heard quietly humming creepily during the trailer, as an elaborate system of mechanisms and cogs is unveiled in the walls and foundations of his home, alongside a maze.

Actor Hugh Grant is the villain in new horror film Heretic (Picture: A24)

He plays against type as the creepy Mr Reed, who traps two missionaries in his house (Picture: A24)

‘I won’t keep you if you wish to leave,’ he tells his frightened captives at one point. ‘But I want you to choose which door to go through based on your faith.’

The (presumed) ‘great psycho killer’, as Grant as already been dubbed by fan, is also shown chiselling miniature wooden figures for a small-scale model of the elaborate building, with which he plays.

And in his most chilling line from the trailer, he tells the girls: ‘It will make your hearts beat faster. It may even make you want to die.’

‘This new era of villainous roles for Hugh Grant is really fun,’ shared @simonrov7979 under the trailer on YouTube, while @michaelmonthey5974 enthused: ‘I have never seen Hugh Grant take on a role so chilling and creepy. This looks like it’s going to be another jackpot for A24!’

‘Hugh Grant as a villain is a brilliant career move by him. He plays these roles so well,’ praised @Wabbit98, while @matthewpaul6904 commented: ‘I’ve said this YEARS ago! Hugh Grant playing a killer would blow everybody’s minds! Glad I’m not the only one who saw the potential.’

He subjects Sisters Barnes and Paxton (real-life former Mormon Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) to a terrifying challenge to escape (Picture: A24)

They are at first lulled into a false sense of security by the offer of pie (Picture: A24)

Grant’s fans have been sharing their delight at seeing him in this type of role (Picture: A24)

Quoting the trailer, @tmoon9297 jokingly observed: ‘Hugh Grant: “do not be afraid.” Everyone: “already shat my pants.”’

‘Oompa Loompa is now John Kramer!’ quipped @adammartin9298, while @sairen5121 couldn’t resist bringing in a Notting Hill reference with the comment: ‘I am also just a psychopath, standing in front of two girls asking them to pick their door.’

It’s not the first time Grant has dipped his toe into the waters of horror, although it’s been over 35 years since, when he appeared in 1988 horror comedy The Lair of the White Worm, directed by Ken Russell and co-starring Amanda Donohoe and Peter Capaldi.

He’s only done one horror film previously, which was also comedic, with 1988’s The Lair of the White Worm (Picture: Everett/Rex/Shutterstock)

Having made a career out of rom-coms including Four Weddings and a Funeral, Love Actually and Bridget Jones, the Glass Onion actor has also embraced the camper side of playing villains before with his turns in modern classic Paddington 2 as devious thespian Phoenix Buchanan, as well as another devious thespian in the less-well-received Netflix Pop-Tart movie Unfrosted.

However, Heretic, which is written and directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, seems to finally be allowing the star to scratch a previously unsatisfied itch for both his career ambitions and fans alike.

Heretic is scheduled to be released in the US on November 15. A UK release date is yet to be announced.

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