Why Hugh Grant did his Jar Jar Binks impression in the “Heretic” scene

Hugh Grant set his limits star Wars Knowledge for application Heretic.

At one point in his new A24 thriller HereticThe 64-year-old actor plays a replica of Jar Jar Binks, the character made famous by Ahmed Best in the space opera series’ prequel trilogy starting in 1999 Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

As to whether the moment was scripted, Grant told the Associated Press in an interview published Monday, Nov. 4, “It’s hard to remember who the writer was and who I was. But I’m pretty sure the Jar Jar Binks imitation was my idea.

He didn’t even realize he was carrying that impression, explaining, “I just thought it would be fun if the character did that because it would just be weird.”

“And actually the strange thing about me is that I’ve never seen one star Wars Movie,” Grant admitted.

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Mr. Reed, Grant’s character in HereticSeemingly harmless at first, he welcomes two missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to his home. But when sisters Barnes and Paxton (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) try to convert him to their religion, they find themselves in a psychologically twisted test of faith.

The new film comes from Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, the filmmakers who co-wrote and developed the concept of John Krasinski’s original A quiet place Film. Beck and Woods, both 40, most recently worked together as writers and directors on “2023.” 65with Adam Driver.

Grant told the AP that he hasn’t seen many horror films himself because “they’re too scary for me” – especially considering he’s “watching.” The Exorcist when I was too young and have been working in consulting ever since.

“I accidentally saw one recently, namely Midsummer. I thought it looked like a funny Swedish comedy. “I put it on one night for my Swedish wife who needed some cheering up and is still very, very traumatized,” he joked.

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Grant talked to PEOPLE about it Heretic last month at the film’s AFI Fest premiere, he called his villainous character a “damaged, bad guy.”

“Good guys are difficult,” he said Four weddings and a funeral the actor said at the time. “It’s hard to keep them from becoming boring. I think almost every actor prefers to play the damaged villain. It’s much more interesting.”

On preparing for Mr. Reed’s role, he added: “There was a lot of research into cult leaders, religion and particularly religious iconoclasts and atheists.”

“And about serial killers, and especially about what made them who they are – and the strange fact that after all the terrible things they did, they often still had loyal followers or lovers,” said Grant.

Heretic hits theaters on November 8th.