DC Studios’ Superman is one of the highly awaited movies as it is going to be the first movie in the DC Universe created by James Gunn and Peter Safran. The movie stars David Corenswet in the lead role along with Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, and more. Superman is going to follow the story of Superman’s reconciliation of his alien heritage with his human family.
Nicholas Hoult, who is popularly known for playing Hank McCoy a.k.a., Beast in the X-Men movie series, was announced to be portraying the character of Lex Luthor in Superman. The actor has been appreciated for his performances over the years in movies including Mad Max: Fury Road, A Single Man, Warm Bodies, The Favourite, and more. Hoult recently shared how he started to get in shape for Superman.
Nicholas Hoult talks about his motivation behind getting in shape for James Gunn’s Superman
In an interview with Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, actor Nicholas Hoult who will soon be portraying the character of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s highly awaited movie Superman shared his motivation to get in shape as the character. Hoult said,
“I have been working out. No, you know what, there’s that bit in All-Star Superman where he talks about his muscles being real and like hard work and all that. I kind of took that as a little bit of like fuel for the fire.”
Hoult noted during the conversation that he thinks he is still in the mental preparation for the movie but confirmed that he’d be shaving his head soon for the role. Hoult clarified that even though he has been working out, he does not think that his character is going to have any shirtless scenes in the movie.
Talking about his motivation; All-Star Superman was a 12-issue comic book series that ran from 2005 to 2008. The story in the comic book follows Superman being overexposed to the sun and making peace with the world as he believed that his death was imminent.
A picture of the cast was shared by James Gunn on his social media which showcased Nicholas Hoult with a shaved head. This goes on to say that the interview was held before the filming for the movie began.
Nicholas Hoult reveals his first introduction to the character Lex Luthor
The Mad Max actor revealed to Michael Rosenbaum during the conversation that his first introduction to the character of Lex Luthor was his portrayal of Smallville. Hoult added that he later saw Gene Hackman’s Lex Luthor in Superman movies. Hoult shared,
“The first ever Lex I saw was you. I grew up and Smallville was on. I was 11 or 12. That was the show I would watch and it was first iterations I would see of Superman and Lex and all those stories. I love your portrayal. It’s the best.”
The actor explained that Rosenbaum had inhabited Luthor’s character with such depth and charm, adding that the ability to switch makes him dangerous and formidable and a great opponent.
Nicholas Hoult also mentioned that James Gunn can keep things fun and live and he likes to try out things in the moment. Recalling his audition process, he said Gunn likes to shout from the monitors asking the actors to say a line or do something which Hoult said he enjoys. He said,
“That’s the whole process of prep for me is like, be prepared as possible so when you get there you can throw it all away and do whatever you want in the moment.”
Fans are excited for the movie’s release not only because it’s going to kick start DCU, but they are also looking forward to David Corenswet’s performance as Clark Kent as he replaced Henry Cavill as the titular character.
Superman is scheduled for July 11th, 2025 release.
