The Chilling 'Heretic' Cast: Where Are Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, And Chloe East Now?

The A24 horror film *Heretic* has cemented its place as one of the most talked-about psychological thrillers of late 2024, thanks in no small part to its pitch-perfect, three-person ensemble cast. Released to theaters in November 2024, the movie, directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, is a masterclass in tension, revolving around two Mormon missionaries and the enigmatic, diabolical man who traps them in his house. The central performances—especially the unnerving turn by a veteran British star—have been widely praised, bringing a fresh, character-driven depth to the religious horror subgenre. This article dives into the full cast, their pivotal roles, and what they’ve been up to since the film’s chilling release.

The success of *Heretic* lies in the claustrophobic cat-and-mouse game between its leads, demanding intense, sustained performances. The current buzz around the film has amplified the careers of its younger stars while showcasing a beloved actor in a role unlike anything he’s done before. From the breakout star of *Yellowjackets* to a former rom-com king, here is the complete, updated profile of the *Heretic* cast.

The Central Cast of Heretic (2024): Full Biographies and Roles

The core of *Heretic* is its trio of actors, who carry the film's intense, single-location narrative. Their chemistry and commitment to the psychological tension are what make the movie a must-watch for fans of elevated horror.

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Hugh Grant as Mr. Reed

• Role in *Heretic*: Mr. Reed, a manipulative and obsessive man who lures the two missionaries into his seemingly ordinary house, which is filled with hidden rooms and deadly traps. He is the film's central antagonist.
• Full Name: Hugh John Mungo Grant.
• Date of Birth: September 9, 1960.
• Place of Birth: Hammersmith, London, England.
• Career Highlights: Known primarily for his roles in romantic comedies like *Four Weddings and a Funeral*, *Notting Hill*, and *Love Actually*. More recently, he has taken on darker, critically acclaimed roles in projects such as *Paddington 2*, *The Gentlemen*, and the HBO miniseries *The Undoing*.
• Recent/Upcoming Projects: His villainous role in *Heretic* is a major talking point. He also appeared in *Wonka* (2023) and is set to star in the upcoming film *K-Pop: Lost in America*.

Sophie Thatcher as Sister Barnes

• Role in *Heretic*: Sister Barnes, one of the two young Mormon missionaries. She is portrayed as the more skeptical and rebellious of the pair, whose faith is tested by Mr. Reed’s psychological games.
• Full Name: Sophie Bathsheba Thatcher.
• Date of Birth: October 18, 2000.
• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Best known for her breakout role as the teenage Natalie Scatorccio in the critically acclaimed Showtime series *Yellowjackets*. She also had a recurring role as Drash in the *Star Wars* series *The Book of Boba Fett* and starred in the horror film *The Boogeyman* (2023).
• Recent/Upcoming Projects: Continues to star in *Yellowjackets*. She is also set to appear in the sci-fi thriller *Companion* (2025).

Chloe East as Sister Paxton

• Role in *Heretic*: Sister Paxton, the second Mormon missionary. She is characterized as being softer and more devout than Sister Barnes, making her a target for Mr. Reed's manipulative religious arguments.
• Full Name: Chloe East.
• Date of Birth: April 16, 2001.
• Place of Birth: San Clemente, California, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Began her career as a dancer and model before transitioning to acting. Her notable roles include Naomi in the series *Generation* and Monica Sherwood in Steven Spielberg's semi-autobiographical film *The Fabelmans* (2022).
• Recent/Upcoming Projects: Her role in *Heretic* is her latest major film appearance, further establishing her in the horror/thriller genre.

Hugh Grant’s Villainous Transformation and Character Deep Dive

Hugh Grant’s portrayal of Mr. Reed is perhaps the most compelling element of *Heretic*, showcasing a chilling departure from his established persona. The actor, known for his charming, bumbling romantic leads, has fully embraced the "bad guy" role in recent years, but Mr. Reed is a particularly unsettling creation.

The depth of his performance comes from a unique preparation method. Grant revealed in post-release interviews that he took the unusual step of writing a full, detailed biography for the character, Mr. Reed. This extensive backstory—which included the character's childhood, education, and specific religious obsessions—was not included in the film's script but was used by Grant to inform every subtle movement and unsettling line delivery.

This dedication to the character's twisted logic helps to elevate *Heretic* beyond a simple jump-scare horror film. Mr. Reed is an intellectual villain, using biblical scripture, theological debate, and psychological warfare to break the missionaries' faith, making the conflict as much about ideology as it is about survival.

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The Mormon Connection: How Thatcher and East Brought Authenticity to Their Roles

A key layer of topical authority in *Heretic* comes from the authentic representation of the Mormon missionary experience, an aspect that was significantly bolstered by the personal histories of the two young lead actresses.

Sophie Thatcher’s Personal History

Sophie Thatcher, who plays the more cynical Sister Barnes, has a direct, if complicated, connection to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). Thatcher revealed that she grew up Mormon but left the church at the age of 12. This background allowed her to bring a nuanced understanding to the role, particularly Sister Barnes' internal struggle with doubt and the pressure of the mission. Her experience provided a grounding realism to the character's skepticism and eventual defiance of Mr. Reed's twisted gospel.

Chloe East’s Deep Dive into Faith

Similarly, Chloe East, who portrays the more faithful Sister Paxton, also drew on a personal connection to the LDS faith, which was a major reason she took the role. Her familiarity with the culture and the mission experience helped her embody the earnestness and inherent vulnerability of Sister Paxton. The dynamic between the two missionaries—one struggling with her faith (Barnes) and one holding firm (Paxton)—is the emotional core of the film, made believable by the actresses' informed performances. Their interviews post-release have highlighted the movie's exploration of faith, doubt, and religious trauma.

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The Ensemble Cast and Key Entities

While the film is largely a three-person show, the creative team and supporting actors are essential to the overall success and atmosphere of *Heretic*.

• Directors/Writers: Scott Beck and Bryan Woods are the creative minds behind the film. They are best known for writing the screenplay for the hit film *A Quiet Place*. Their involvement is a major LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) entity, linking *Heretic* to a pedigree of successful, high-concept thrillers.
• Distributor: A24 is the film's distributor, a company synonymous with "elevated horror" and prestige independent cinema. This association immediately signals the film's quality and thematic depth.
• Supporting Cast Members:
  • Stephanie Lavigne: Plays a character named Believer, adding depth to the film's thematic exploration of faith.
  • Elle McKinnon: Listed as Teenager.
  • Wendy Gorling: Plays a Disciple.
  • Anesha Bailey: Listed as Neighbor.

The *Heretic* cast, led by the unexpected yet brilliant casting of Hugh Grant, has delivered a horror film that is as psychologically complex as it is terrifying. The film's success is a testament to the power of a small, dedicated ensemble, proving that true horror often comes from the characters, not just the monsters. For fans looking for a movie that blends the tension of a home invasion thriller with a deep dive into religious conviction and doubt, *Heretic* remains a must-see. The conversation around Grant, Thatcher, and East's performances—and their subsequent career moves—is only just beginning.