Nicholas Hoult’s “Batman” Rejection Led Him To Lex Luthor Role in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’

Key Takeaways:

– Nicholas Hoult auditioned for Batman before landing the role of Lex Luthor.
– Hoult feels Robert Pattinson was the correct choice for Batman.
– The actor has cultivated resilience and acceptance from facing industry rejections.

Recognized for his involvement in several blockbuster hits, Nicholas Hoult is no stranger to high-profile roles. But as the talented actor gears up to portray the arch-nemesis of Superman, Lex Luthor, in the James Gunn DC Universe, he reflects on the journey that led him here, inclusive of a significant varsity that notably shaped his career.

Hoult's Journey From Batman Audition to Lex Luthor Role

Before taking on his current role as Lex Luthor, Hoult auditioned for Matt Reeves's standalone Batman universe. He ultimately lost the role to Twilight-saga famous Robert Pattinson. However, according to a recent interaction with GQ España, Hoult believes that although he wholeheartedly desired to be Batman, Pattinson was indeed the appropriate choice.

He praised Matt Reeves's “fantastic” ideas and the “brilliant” movie he ended up creating. He further admired Pattinson's commendable performance. “I don't think I would have done as good a job as him ultimately. I don't think I could have fit as well into the world that Matt created as Rob did,” Hoult stated.

Growing up, Batman served as an iconic figure for Hoult who admired Christian Bale's portrayal. Although he experienced initial disappointment over the missed opportunity, Hoult feels grateful for Pattinson's seamless fit into the Reeves's Batman universe.

Rejection and Resilience: Part of an Actor's Arsenal

In Hollywood, landing a significant role frequently involves grappling with rejections, requiring constant resilience. For Hoult, not securing the Batman role was a considerable setback, especially given his fondness of the character. Learning to accept these industry rejections, however, has significantly shaped him as an actor.

“When they tell you for the first time that it's not you, it's painful, but then you have to accept it as normality,” he shared in the GQ interview. Spotting the brilliance of chosen actors, including Pattinson, aids Hoult in appreciating the casting decisions. An admirer of the final product, Hoult enjoyed watching the movie and the well-deserved praise Pattinson received for his role as Batman.

Coming Up: Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor

Leaving behind his missed Batman opportunity, Hoult now delves into the portrayal of one of the most iconic DC villains, Lex Luthor. The anticipation is already building among fans eager to see Hoult's spin on this classic supervillain character.

His significant role comes in the upcoming Superman film, previously titled Superman: Legacy, marking the launch of James Gunn's DCU. The movie's planned release date is July 11, 2025. As the baton passes to Hoult, it is evident that despite earlier misses in his career, he is set to redefine and perhaps even surpass his previous iconic roles.