Nicholas Hoult, known for his upcoming portrayal of Lex Luthor in James Gunn‘s new Superman film, demonstrated remarkable versatility through his role in Hulu’s historical dramedy The Great. This experience highlighted Hoult’s ability to bring complex characters to life, setting a strong foundation before stepping into one of DC’s most iconic villains.
A Dramatized Tale of Russian Royalty
The Great, which aired from 2020 to 2023, loosely chronicles the rise of Catherine the Great, the famed Russian Empress. The series focuses on a young Catherine, played by Elle Fanning, navigating a challenging marriage to Peter III, the Emperor of Russia, portrayed by Hoult. As Peter occupies the throne and opposes Catherine’s progressive ideals, their relationship is marked by conflict and political intrigue. Catherine encourages education and scientific advancement, clashing with Peter’s adherence to violent and outdated imperial traditions. The tension escalates into a coup d’état initiated by Catherine, aided by allies such as her maid Marial (Phoebe Fox) and court member Orlo (Sacha Dhawan).
Though inspired by historical events, the show prides itself on blending satire with dark comedy, often departing from strict accuracy for the sake of irreverent humor. This tone allows the performers to inject life and nuance into their characters beyond traditional historical drama confines.
Exploring Nicholas Hoult’s Complex Portrayal of Peter III
Hoult’s portrayal of Peter III in The Great is layered and evolving. Initially, Peter appears as a brutish and volatile ruler, prone to narcissism and violent outbursts that impact the people under his rule. However, as the series progresses, it reveals his troubled upbringing, including neglect by his father and harsh treatment by his mother, which contributes to his flawed nature. This background adds a sympathetic dimension to what might otherwise be a purely antagonistic role. The relationship between Peter and Catherine deepens over time, with unexpected feelings further complicating their already strained marriage.
Significantly, Hoult also plays a second character in the show: Pugachev, a lookalike who impersonates Peter to challenge Catherine’s authority. Despite resembling Peter physically, Hoult differentiates Pugachev through distinct mannerisms and personality traits, underscoring his range as an actor. This dual role spotlights Hoult’s ability to navigate complex, morally ambiguous characters who straddle the line between heroism and villainy.
How ‘The Great’ Prepared Hoult for the Role of Lex Luthor
While Peter III and Lex Luthor seem vastly different, Hoult revealed that his work on The Great influenced his approach to playing Lex in James Gunn’s Superman. In an interview with Collider, Hoult mentioned that the writing style and humor of Superman’s script resembled elements from The Great and The Favourite, both co-written by Tony McNamara. This connection helped Hoult imagine Lex’s character in a relatable way.
“in the style of writing and the humor.” —Nicholas Hoult, actor
“see how endearing some of that into Lex could work well for the style of what James was going for.” —Nicholas Hoult, actor
This blend of charm and menace in Lex, drawn partly from Hoult’s previous roles, allowed him to develop a unique take on the villain, one that fits seamlessly into the new DC cinematic universe. As Lex Luthor stands as Superman’s archrival, Hoult’s experience with the multifaceted character of Peter provided valuable groundwork for embodying a nuanced antagonist.
The Great’s Cultural Impact and Critical Reception
Though The Great ended after three seasons without a definitive conclusion, it earned critical praise and was nominated for seven Emmy Awards, including one recognizing Hoult’s performance. The show captured audiences with its distinctive blend of satire and historical drama, supported by strong performances from its cast.
Despite appealing to a somewhat niche audience, its clever script and Hoult’s compelling portrayal of Peter III offer a fresh take on historical figures rarely shown in such a light. Fans of Hoult’s upcoming Lex Luthor role may appreciate revisiting his nuanced performance as Peter, emphasizing his ability to handle both dramatic and comedic material with equal skill.
The Great is currently available for streaming on Hulu in the United States.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Jennifer Lawrence and Nicholas Hoult still friends?
A. Hoult and Lawrence were in a relationship for five years after they met while working on the first film of the series. They have stayed friends after their breakup.
Q. What color are Nicholas Hoult’s eyes?
A. An account featuring Nicolas Hoult highlighted his blue eyes with a post on X: “Nicholas Hoult’s blue eyes.” You can view it at the provided link.
Q. What color eyes does Nicholas Hoult have?
A. Ethan mentioned on X that Nicholas Hoult’s eyes are amazingly blue, and only Clint has managed to really highlight their blueness.
