Hugh Grant reflects on becoming his Four Weddings character

Hugh Grant has reflected on his experience of embodying his character from the film 'Four Weddings and a Funeral' in real life, admitting that he mistakenly believed he could integrate aspects of that character into his personality. He noted that the character was a significant departure from his true self, describing himself as not being the stutter-y, blink-y type. The overwhelming success of the film led him to think that adopting this persona would bring him continued success and admiration. In a candid interview with Vanity Fair, Grant recounted how he began to act like his character during public appearances, including his Golden Globe acceptance speech in 1995, where he expressed overly sentimental sentiments. He later recognized that this behavior was off-putting to others, stating that people were “rightly repelled” by his attempts to mimic the character. Despite this misstep, Grant has continued to evolve as an actor, taking on more complex and villainous roles in recent years. His upcoming film, 'Heretic,' marks a significant shift as it is his first horror film in decades. In this film, he plays a man who psychologically manipulates two young Mormon missionaries, showcasing his ability to blend charm with darker elements. The film, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, has already garnered positive reviews for its intelligent and tense narrative. Grant's history as a romantic lead is credited with providing the necessary charm to make his character believable, ensuring that the audience does not view the young women as foolish for trusting him.