Nicholas Hoult’s Career: From ‘Intimate Relations’ to ‘Superman’
Nicholas Hoult has had a remarkable journey in film, starting as a child actor and growing into one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers. He gained early fame with a heartfelt role in a major British film, but he successfully moved beyond his initial success. He avoided being typecast and built a career by choosing a wide variety of characters.
Over the years, Hoult has played heroes and villains, real-life figures, and fantasy creatures. He has been part of huge blockbuster franchises, starred in critically acclaimed independent dramas, and shown his talent in dark comedies. His path from a young boy in ‘Intimate Relations’ to a famous supervillain in ‘Superman’ shows his impressive range and consistent work ethic.
‘Intimate Relations’ (1996)
Nicholas Hoult made his feature film debut at just five years old in this dark comedy-drama. The film is based on a true story from the 1950s about a man who begins an affair with his landlady. Hoult played the role of Bobby, the landlady’s young son who lives in the tense and secretive household.
His character is a small but important part of the story, often present during the unfolding drama between the adults. The film explores themes of forbidden love and its consequences in a repressive suburban setting. For Hoult, it was the very first step in a long and successful acting career.
‘About a Boy’ (2002)
This film was Nicholas Hoult’s breakout role, earning him widespread recognition and critical praise. He starred as Marcus Brewer, an awkward and lonely 12-year-old boy with an eccentric mother. Marcus forms an unlikely friendship with Will Freeman, a rich and immature man who lives a carefree life.
The story follows their bond as Will teaches Marcus how to be a cool kid, while Marcus helps Will learn how to care about others and grow up. Hoult’s performance was noted for its charm and emotional depth, perfectly capturing the struggles and sweetness of his character.
‘Wah-Wah’ (2005)
In this semi-autobiographical film directed by Richard E. Grant, Nicholas Hoult played the younger version of the main character, Ralph Compton. The story is set in Swaziland during the final years of the British Empire and is based on Grant’s own childhood experiences.
The film follows Ralph’s life as he watches his parents’ marriage fall apart amidst colonial society. Hoult portrays the character during his formative years, witnessing the dramatic and often comical events around him. His performance captures the perspective of a child trying to make sense of the adult world.
‘The Weather Man’ (2005)
In this American comedy-drama, Nicholas Hoult played Mike Spritzel, the son of the main character, a Chicago TV weather forecaster played by Nicolas Cage. The film follows the weatherman as he struggles with his professional and personal life, feeling inadequate despite his local fame.
Hoult’s character is dealing with his own set of problems, including being in counseling after an incident with a counselor. The relationship between father and son is strained, and the film explores their attempts to connect. It was one of Hoult’s first major roles in an American production.
‘Kidulthood’ (2006)
Nicholas Hoult had a role as Blake in this gritty British drama that follows a group of teenagers in West London. The film takes place over a 24-hour period and deals with the aftermath of a classmate’s suicide.
The story is a tough look at youth culture, exploring themes of violence, peer pressure, and teen angst. Hoult’s character is part of the group of friends navigating this difficult and chaotic day. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of teenage life in London.
‘A Single Man’ (2009)
In this stylish drama directed by Tom Ford, Nicholas Hoult played Kenny Potter, a university student who forms a connection with his grieving professor, George Falconer. The film is set in 1962 and follows George through a single day as he contemplates ending his life after the death of his long-term partner.
Kenny represents a potential for new connection and a reason to keep living. His youthful curiosity and openness stand in contrast to George’s deep despair. The role was a significant step for Hoult into more adult and complex characters.
‘Clash of the Titans’ (2010)
In this big-budget fantasy epic, Nicholas Hoult played the role of Eusebios, a young and skilled soldier in the army of Argos. He is part of the band of warriors who join the hero, Perseus, on his quest to defeat the Kraken and save the city.
Eusebios is a loyal and brave fighter who participates in several of the major battle sequences against mythical creatures. Although a supporting role, it marked Hoult’s involvement in a major Hollywood blockbuster and showed his ability to fit into action-oriented films.
‘X-Men: First Class’ (2011)
This film marked Nicholas Hoult’s first appearance as the brilliant scientist Henry “Hank” McCoy, also known as Beast. The movie is a prequel that explores the origins of the X-Men, showing how Charles Xavier and Magneto first met and formed a team of young mutants.
Hoult’s character is a genius who is ashamed of his large, ape-like feet. He creates a serum to “cure” his mutation but it backfires, transforming him into the blue-furred Beast. This role made him a key part of a major superhero franchise.
‘Warm Bodies’ (2013)
Nicholas Hoult starred as the lead character, R, in this unique romantic comedy with a zombie twist. R is a zombie who wanders a post-apocalyptic world, but he still has some inner thoughts and feelings. He falls in love with a human girl named Julie after eating her boyfriend’s brains and absorbing his memories.
The film follows their strange but charming relationship as R slowly becomes more human through his connection with Julie. Hoult’s performance was praised for bringing humor and heart to a character who can barely speak, relying on his inner monologue and physical acting.
‘Jack the Giant Slayer’ (2013)
In this fantasy adventure film, Nicholas Hoult played the title role of Jack, a young farmhand who accidentally opens a gateway to a land of giants. When a princess is kidnapped and taken to the giants’ kingdom, Jack must join a group of knights on a dangerous mission to rescue her.
The film is a modern retelling of the classic fairy tales “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Jack the Giant Killer.” Hoult portrayed Jack as a brave and resourceful hero, leading audiences through a world of massive special effects and epic battles.
‘Young Ones’ (2014)
This film is a sci-fi Western set in a future where water is the most valuable resource in the world. Nicholas Hoult played Flem Lever, a cunning and ambitious young man who wants to take control of a piece of irrigated land owned by another family.
Flem is a complex and morally ambiguous character who manipulates his way into the family. The film is a gritty and stylish take on classic Western themes, but set in a bleak, dystopian future. Hoult’s performance showcased his ability to play darker, more calculating characters.
‘X-Men: Days of Future Past’ (2014)
Nicholas Hoult reprised his role as Hank McCoy / Beast in this sequel that brought together the original ‘X-Men’ cast with the ‘First Class’ actors. The story involves time travel, as Wolverine is sent back to 1973 to prevent an event that leads to a dark future for mutants.
In this timeline, Hoult’s Beast has developed a serum that allows him to appear human, but he must transform to fight when needed. He serves as a loyal friend and scientific advisor to the troubled young Charles Xavier, helping to reunite the X-Men to save the future.
‘Dark Places’ (2015)
In this mystery thriller based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, Nicholas Hoult played Lyle Wirth. The story follows a woman who survived the massacre of her family as a child and testified that her brother was the killer. Decades later, she is contacted by a group of amateur investigators who believe her brother is innocent.
Hoult’s character, Lyle, is the treasurer of this “Kill Club,” which is obsessed with famous crimes. He persuades the woman to revisit her past and investigate the murders, uncovering dark secrets along the way.
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
Nicholas Hoult delivered a memorable performance as Nux in this critically acclaimed action film. Nux is a “War Boy,” a sickly and fanatical soldier who serves the tyrannical Immortan Joe in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. He hopes to die a glorious death in battle and be witnessed.
Throughout the film, Nux’s character goes through a significant transformation. After failing his leader, he joins forces with Max and Furiosa, finding a new sense of purpose and humanity. Hoult’s energetic and emotional portrayal made Nux a fan-favorite character.
‘Equals’ (2015)
In this minimalist science fiction film, Nicholas Hoult starred as Silas. The story is set in a futuristic society where all human emotion has been eradicated to create a peaceful and stable world. Those who begin to regain their feelings are diagnosed with “Switched-On Syndrome” and outcast.
Silas discovers he is one of these individuals and falls in love with a woman named Nia, who is also hiding her emotions. The film follows their secret and dangerous romance as they try to find a way to feel freely in a world that forbids it.
‘Kill Your Friends’ (2015)
Nicholas Hoult took on the lead role of Steven Stelfox in this dark and satirical comedy. Stelfox is an ambitious and ruthless A&R man in the London music industry during the 1990s Britpop era. He is desperate to find the next big hit and will do anything to get ahead.
The film is a cynical look at the music business, filled with greed, drugs, and betrayal. Hoult’s character is a charming but sociopathic anti-hero who often breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience about his schemes.
‘X-Men: Apocalypse’ (2016)
Nicholas Hoult returned as Hank McCoy / Beast for his third appearance in the ‘X-Men’ franchise. In this film, the team faces their most powerful enemy yet: Apocalypse, the world’s first mutant, who awakens in the 1980s and plans to cleanse the world.
Beast serves as a mentor to the new, younger generation of X-Men and is a key builder of their technology, including a new jet. He fully embraces his blue, furry form in battle as he helps lead the fight against Apocalypse and his formidable Four Horsemen.
‘Collide’ (2016)
In this action thriller, Nicholas Hoult played Casey Stein, an American living in Germany who gets involved in crime to pay for his girlfriend’s medical emergency. After a drug heist goes wrong, he finds himself on the run from two powerful and ruthless crime bosses.
The film is filled with high-speed car chases and intense action sequences across Germany. Hoult is at the center of the action, playing a desperate man pushed to extreme lengths for the person he loves.
‘Rebel in the Rye’ (2017)
Nicholas Hoult portrayed the famously reclusive author J. D. Salinger in this biographical drama. The film follows Salinger’s life from his youth and his time at Columbia University to his service in World War II. It shows the experiences that shaped him and led to the writing of his masterpiece, ‘The Catcher in the Rye’.
The movie explores his creative process, his difficult relationships, and his eventual decision to withdraw from public life. Hoult took on the challenge of playing a complex and iconic literary figure, showing the man behind the myth.
‘Newness’ (2017)
This modern relationship drama stars Nicholas Hoult as Martin Hallock. The film explores dating and love in the age of social media, as two millennials in Los Angeles match on a dating app and begin an intense relationship.
As their connection deepens, they decide to explore an open relationship, which tests their bond in unexpected ways. The film is an intimate look at the challenges of modern romance and emotional honesty.
‘Sand Castle’ (2017)
In this war drama set during the 2003 invasion of Iraq, Nicholas Hoult played Private Matt Ocre. Ocre is a reluctant young soldier who joined the Army Reserve to get money for college, not to fight a war. He is sent on a dangerous mission to repair a water pumping station in a hostile village.
The film is based on the real experiences of its writer and explores the complexities and moral gray areas of the war. Hoult’s character provides the audience’s point of view, showing the fear and frustration of a soldier on the ground.
‘The Current War’ (2017)
Nicholas Hoult portrayed the brilliant and eccentric inventor Nikola Tesla in this historical drama. The film centers on the “war of the currents” in the late 19th century, a fierce competition between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse to determine whose electrical system would power the modern world.
Tesla, initially working for Edison, emerges as a genius with his own revolutionary ideas about alternating current (AC). Hoult plays him as a visionary inventor caught between two powerful industrial titans.
‘The Favourite’ (2018)
In this critically acclaimed black comedy, Nicholas Hoult played Robert Harley, a real historical figure and the Leader of the Opposition in 18th-century English Parliament. The film focuses on the power struggle between two cousins who are vying to be the court favorite of the ailing Queen Anne.
Harley is a sly and witty politician who uses his influence and connections to manipulate court politics for his own gain. Hoult’s performance was noted for its sharp comedic timing, and he sported a large, elaborate wig for the role.
‘Tolkien’ (2019)
Nicholas Hoult took on the role of another famous author, playing J. R. R. Tolkien in this biographical film. The movie explores the formative years of the orphaned author as he finds friendship, love, and artistic inspiration among a group of fellow outcasts at school.
The film shows how his real-life experiences, including his service in World War I, influenced the creation of his iconic fantasy worlds in ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’. Hoult portrayed the future author’s journey from youth to adulthood.
‘Dark Phoenix’ (2019)
Nicholas Hoult made his final planned appearance as Hank McCoy / Beast in this installment of the ‘X-Men’ series. The story focuses on Jean Grey as she is transformed into the powerful and unstable Dark Phoenix after being hit by a cosmic force during a rescue mission in space.
Beast has a dramatic character arc in this film. He becomes driven by anger and a desire for revenge after a tragedy, which puts him at odds with his long-time friend Charles Xavier. This creates a deep conflict within the X-Men as they decide how to deal with Jean.
‘True History of the Kelly Gang’ (2019)
In this stylized and fictionalized account of the life of Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, Nicholas Hoult played Constable Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick is a charming but corrupt police officer who becomes involved with Kelly’s family.
His actions are a key trigger for the conflict between the Kelly Gang and the law. Hoult portrayed the constable as a complex antagonist whose behavior highlights the injustices that fueled Kelly’s rebellion.
‘The Banker’ (2020)
This drama is based on the true story of two African American entrepreneurs in the 1960s who devised a clever plan to get into real estate and banking. To bypass the racist system, they hire a working-class white man to pose as the face of their business empire while they act as the janitor and chauffeur.
Nicholas Hoult played Matt Steiner, the man they hired for this role. Steiner is coached to act like a wealthy, savvy businessman, becoming a key part of their risky but successful operation to help other African Americans get loans.
‘Those Who Wish Me Dead’ (2021)
Nicholas Hoult played one of the villains in this action thriller. He portrayed Patrick Blackwell, one half of a pair of ruthless assassins tasked with hunting down a young boy who witnessed a crime. The boy flees into the Montana wilderness, where he meets a smokejumper.
The film features a tense cat-and-mouse chase through the forest as the assassins try to kill the boy and the smokejumper, all while a massive wildfire rages around them. This role showed Hoult in a colder and more menacing light.
‘The Menu’ (2022)
In this dark comedy thriller, Nicholas Hoult played Tyler, an obsessive foodie who is thrilled to be dining at a highly exclusive and remote island restaurant. He has brought along a date, Margot, to experience what he believes will be the meal of a lifetime from a world-famous chef.
Tyler is comically obsessed with the chef’s every move and the complex concepts behind the food, often ignoring the increasingly sinister events happening around him. Hoult’s performance satirized extreme “foodie” culture and provided much of the film’s humor.
‘Renfield’ (2023)
Nicholas Hoult starred in the title role of this horror-comedy. He played Renfield, the long-suffering and tortured familiar of the legendary vampire, Dracula. After centuries of serving his narcissistic boss, Renfield decides he is ready to leave the toxic relationship and start a new life.
The film follows his attempts to break free, which is not easy when your boss is the Prince of Darkness. Hoult balanced action, comedy, and moments of genuine emotional struggle in his performance as the bug-eating henchman trying to find his independence.
‘The Garfield Movie’ (2024)
In this animated adventure, Nicholas Hoult provides the voice for Jon Arbuckle, the loving but slightly clumsy owner of the famous lasagna-loving cat, Garfield. The film explores Garfield’s origins and reunites him with his long-lost father, a scruffy street cat.
This leads Garfield and his canine friend Odie on a high-stakes adventure far from their comfortable home. Hoult’s voice performance captures the caring and often exasperated nature of Jon as he deals with his pampered pet’s wild antics.
‘Nosferatu’ (2024)
In this gothic horror film from director Robert Eggers, Nicholas Hoult plays Thomas Hutter. The film is a new take on the classic silent film and the Dracula legend. Hutter is a real estate agent who travels to the remote castle of Count Orlok to finalize a land deal.
During his stay, he uncovers the terrifying truth about his host and becomes trapped in the vampire’s castle. The film follows his desperate attempt to escape and the horror that the Count unleashes. This role places Hoult at the center of a dark and atmospheric horror story.
‘Superman’ (2025)
Nicholas Hoult takes on the iconic role of the supervillain Lex Luthor in this major superhero film. The movie relaunches the Superman story for a new generation and serves as the first film in a new DC Universe. Luthor is a brilliant and manipulative billionaire who views Superman as a threat to humanity.
The film explores the clash between Luthor’s vision for the world and Superman’s role as a hero. As one of the most famous villains in comic book history, Hoult’s portrayal shows a cunning and ambitious antagonist determined to prove he is superior to the Man of Steel.
Which Nicholas Hoult performance do you think is his most impressive, and why?