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

Heretic Directors Scott Peck and Brian Woods discussed their inspiration for Hugh GrantThe character of Mr. Reed, noting similarities to Nathan Fielder’s character Rehearsal. In a recent interview, Beck Woods explained that Fielder’s calculated approach to behavior influenced Mr. Reid’s manipulative methods. This influence shapes Reid’s interactions and determines his psychological strategies.

The directors of Heretic say that Hugh Grant’s Mr. Red was inspired by Nathan Fielder from a rehearsal

In an interview with inverseDirectors Scott Peck and Brian Woods have said that Nathan Fielder’s The Rehearsal inspired Hugh Grant’s character in Heretic. “We joked that he’s kind of like Nathan Fielder with decision trees and trying to predict: If she says this thing and I walk here, this is what I’m going to do,” Woods explained, adding: “When we saw the rehearsal, we were like, ‘Oh, this is like Reed.’” That inspiration reflects the tactics Mr. Reed’s precise control, as he strategically manipulates his victims in the film.

Heretic, a decade-long project, follows Mr. Reed as he lures two Mormon missionaries into his trap, challenges their beliefs and explores the origins of monotheism. Beck and Woods started the script ten years ago, but stopped to research religion and philosophy.

“We didn’t know enough about religion. We spent about a decade (while making other films) researching different religions, reading scriptures, learning about different atheist and philosophical thinkers, and putting it all into dialogue,” Woods said.

The casting of Hugh Grant for the role came after the script was completed. “We’ve gotten to a point where it can’t be anyone else,” Beck stated. Grant approached this role with dedication, exchanging more than 200 emails illustrating concepts such as Voltaire and simulation theory. His commitment added depth to the character of Mr. Reid, whose calculated moves mirror the cult leaders’ manipulative tactics.

Reflecting on Heretic’s themes, Woods said: “All religions are a form of manipulation of people’s actions and beliefs.” The character of Reed, with his ambition to test his mastery of human psychology, embodies this idea.

Premiering on November 8, “Heresy” explores these complex intersections between belief, manipulation, and philosophy.