Hugh Grant reflects on career-saving role in cloud Atlas and the Parts he turned down

Hugh Grant recently opened up about the role that revived his career after a tough period in his acting journey. The 63-year-old actor credited his role in the 2012 movie Cloud Atlas, directed by the Wachowskis, as a turning point. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Grant shared that before landing the part in Cloud Atlas, his career had hit a rough patch, especially after the 2009 romantic comedy Did You Hear About the Morgans? with Sarah Jessica Parker didn’t perform well.
Grant admitted he felt “completely marooned” at the time. But then, the Wachowskis approached him with a unique opportunity in Cloud Atlas, a movie based on David Mitchell’s 2004 novel. Grant explained that he was offered several small roles in the film, likely because the filmmakers needed more recognizable names for the international market. He believed the decision to cast him wasn’t out of desire but necessity, though he suspected the Wachowskis might deny that reasoning. However, Grant expressed his gratitude for the chance, as it led him to rediscover his love for acting.
In Cloud Atlas, Grant portrayed six different characters, many of whom were antagonists. Despite the film receiving some criticism, particularly for casting white actors, including Grant, in East Asian roles in one of the timelines, Grant cherished the opportunity to play such diverse and challenging characters. He reflected on how the experience reminded him of his early days in acting, where he found joy in doing quirky characters and using “silly voices” to entertain. He fondly remembered his early acting experiences, including a comedy show in London and acting at university, which were centered on character work.
Grant also discussed how his career shifted after Cloud Atlas. Over the years, he moved away from the romantic lead roles that made him famous, preferring instead to take on villainous characters. He noted that playing a villain can be more fun and rewarding if the character is complex and layered, rather than just a “mustache-twirling baddie.” He believed that for a villain to be interesting, there had to be something deeper beneath the surface—a vulnerable or damaged side that audiences could connect with.
In addition to discussing his career transformation, Grant revealed that he had turned down some roles over the years. His decision not to accept certain parts often came from a feeling that the project lacked independence or creativity. He explained that he would directly ask directors about their creative control to gauge whether the project had too much corporate interference. If he sensed that non-creative executives were influencing the filmmakers, he would pass on the role.
Grant’s career, which has evolved from romantic hero to more complex, darker roles, has given him a renewed sense of enjoyment in acting. His reflections on the role that saved his career and his thoughtful approach to choosing projects show how he has navigated the ups and downs of his long career in Hollywood.