Producer recounts Nick Reiner’s character before parents’ deaths

A producer says Nick Reiner seemed "gentle" when he worked closely with him and his father, Rob Reiner, on the 2015 film Being Charlie.

Douglas Shaffer, an executive producer on the film, told People that Nick appeared calm and open during their time working together.

“From my interactions with Nick, he seemed like a gentle guy,” Shaffer said, adding that there were no visible signs of anger or volatility. “He was calm, cool, and collected. Nobody saw it coming.”

Nick co-wrote Being Charlie with his friend Matt Elisofon and drew on his own addiction struggles for the script, which Rob directed.

The film starred Nick Robinson as a young man struggling with addiction and family issues. According to The New York Times, Elisofon met Nick while they were both in rehab.

Shaffer also recalled another producer on the film, Stephanie Rennie, reacting in disbelief to the news, describing it as “unfathomable.”

He said the tragedy shows the importance of talking about mental health, even in families that seem supportive.

Nick Reiner has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with his parents’ deaths. He appeared in court on December 17, with his arraignment set to continue on January 7.