Topher Grace Plays Megachurch Pastor in New Movie, Leaving Co-Star Glen Powell Jealous

Grace's enthusiastic performance as a charismatic preacher impressed Powell, who wished he could have played the role.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the new A24 film "How To Make A Killing", actor Topher Grace plays the role of an energetic megachurch pastor, Pastor Steven J. Redfellow. Grace's co-star Glen Powell, who plays the lead role of Becket Redfellow, was in awe of Grace's performance, wishing he could have taken on the pastor character himself. The film is a remake of the classic "Kind Hearts And Coronets", with the actors each playing multiple roles.

Why it matters

Grace's performance as the charismatic megachurch pastor highlights his versatility as an actor, as he is able to fully embody the larger-than-life persona of the character. The film also explores themes of wealth, inheritance, and morality through its "eat-the-rich" comedy premise.

The details

In one scene, Grace's character Pastor Steven J. Redfellow is introduced preaching to a packed megachurch audience. Powell, who plays Becket Redfellow, observed Grace in this scene and was impressed by the energy and commitment he brought to the role. Grace said he relished the opportunity to really dive into the character, even improvising parts of the sermon that ended up resonating with some of the background actors, who had to be gently reminded that the character was actually planning to commit murder.

  • The film "How To Make A Killing" is playing in theaters now.

The players

Topher Grace

An American actor known for his roles in films and TV shows like "That '70s Show", "Spider-Man 3", and "BlacKkKlansman". In "How To Make A Killing", he plays the role of the enthusiastic megachurch pastor, Pastor Steven J. Redfellow.

Glen Powell

An American actor who has recently gained recognition for his lead role in the hit film "Top Gun: Maverick". In "How To Make A Killing", he plays the role of Becket Redfellow, a descendant of a wealthy family who is trying to inherit a trust fund.

Jessica Henwick

A British actress known for her roles in "Game of Thrones", "Iron Fist", and "The Matrix Resurrections". She also stars in "How To Make A Killing".

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Topher's role, he did make it seem very, very fun. I didn't really read it on the page as what it was gonna be, but he was having the greatest time of his life. And I'm just like in a chair watching Topher just like chew the scenery in every way. I was like, okay, 'He's taking a thing and he's like throwing it to its fullest.'”

— Glen Powell, Actor (CinemaBlend)

“They blew this smoke out and then I ran out and I'm high fiving like a hundred people. I mean, there must have been 2000 people in that church. And then I'm running on stage and playing guitar and then John wanted me to give a full sermon and they're gonna take parts of it. And, and yeah, you know what, yeah, (laughs) I always thought it would be fun. And, you know, it was fun.”

— Topher Grace, Actor (CinemaBlend)

“The funniest thing was, 'cause no one in that crowd knew that my character was gonna try to kill his character three minutes later. A lot of the background, who were great and were so nice, every single take cheering me on, after about three or four takes, they're like, 'Hey man, like, I'm really feeling what you're saying.' And I was like, 'Oooh, ahhh… I have no idea what I'm saying.'”

— Topher Grace, Actor (CinemaBlend)

What’s next

The film "How To Make A Killing" is in theaters now, so audiences can go see Topher Grace's acclaimed performance as the charismatic megachurch pastor.

The takeaway

Topher Grace's energetic and committed portrayal of the megachurch pastor in "How To Make A Killing" showcases his versatility as an actor, and left his co-star Glen Powell wishing he could have taken on the role himself. The film explores themes of wealth, morality, and the dangers of unchecked ambition through its unique "eat-the-rich" comedy premise.