“Percival has really rabid fans, and reasonably so,” Jefferson continued.

Jefferson said Everett had a reassuring reaction to the film, though.

“I was just drenched in sweat by the time it was over.

TORONTO, ONTARIO - SEPTEMBER 08: attends the “American Fiction” premiere during the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival at Royal Alexandra Theatre on September 08, 2023 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images); Jeffrey Wright in American Fiction. COURTESY OF TIFF /ORION RELEASING

Director Cord Jefferson at TIFF 2023 and actor Jeffrey Wright in ‘American Fiction’.Robin Marchant/Getty; COURTESY OF TIFF /ORION RELEASING

That was the highest praise you could get.”