Nicholas Hoult, James Gunn, Nicholas Hoult Superman audition [Image Source: MEDIA-AMAZON]
Nicholas Hoult took an unexpected approach to land his audition for James Gunn’s Superman, directly contacting the director through a message. This bold action led him to the casting process for the film and ultimately to his role as Lex Luthor. The Nicholas Hoult Superman audition journey stands out for its candid and personal initiation, providing insight into how proactive engagement can open unexpected doors in Hollywood.
Reaching Out to James Gunn During Pre-Production
In the book
“Superman: The Art and Making of the Film,”
Hoult explained how he secured his Superman audition by sending a direct message to writer-director James Gunn. As Hoult put it,
“It’s the first time I’ve done this – I slid into James’s DMs and I was like, ‘Hey, excited to see what you’re cooking up over there. If there’s ever anything that I could be, you know, around for, let me know.’”
—Nicholas Hoult
This direct outreach occurred before the main casting decisions were made, at a point when Gunn and his team were finalizing characters, adjusting scripts, and designing costumes. Hoult’s timing placed him in the heart of pre-production discussions not just for David Corenswet’s Superman, but for the larger ensemble of the film. His initiative paid off with a formal audition, providing the opportunity to try on the Superman suit and contribute to the early creative process.
From Superman Tryouts to Lex Luthor Casting
Hoult’s audition process involved more than just reading lines; he actively participated in suit fittings and screen tests as the team sculpted their vision for the Man of Steel. Reflecting on his intentions, Hoult said,
Image of: Nicholas Hoult
“see what it’s like to work with James. I want to try on the Superman suit.”
—Nicholas Hoult
Though he initially aimed for the lead, the direction shifted after discussions with Gunn, who recognized Hoult’s potential for another pivotal character. As Hoult remembered the moment,
“He was like, ‘How would you feel about playing Lex Luthor?’ I cackled. I did, I evilly cackled down the phone to him.”
—Nicholas Hoult
Hoult admitted that even on first reading the script, he sensed the villainous role might be a better match for his talents, stating,
“There was a small part of me in my gut or my instinct that went, it was like, ‘I think you might be better and have more fun playing Lex.’”
—Nicholas Hoult
The Results and Next Steps for the DC Universe
The transition from vying for Superman to portraying Lex Luthor came as the creative team identified the best fit for each character in their evolving story. The book documents Hoult’s journey, leading up to his significant role opposite David Corenswet’s Superman. The narrative also confirms that Hoult is scheduled to reprise Lex Luthor in the future installment, “Man of Tomorrow.”
Hoult’s experience illustrates how direct communication and initiative can significantly alter an actor’s career path, especially within high-profile projects involving major characters and creative figures like James Gunn. As filming moves ahead and anticipation grows for both the current movie and its sequel, Hoult’s proactive approach adds a distinctive chapter to the ongoing development of the Superman legacy.
