Nicholas Hoult has firmly established himself as more than just the iconic villain Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s recent DC Universe reboot. From his early days as a child actor in the British series Skins to his latest roles, Hoult’s performances demonstrate a striking range that confirms his status as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. For those interested in Nicholas Hoult best movie roles, here are ten films that showcase the depth and diversity of his career beyond Superman.
Quiet Strength and Compassion in A Single Man (2009)
In Tom Ford’s directorial debut, A Single Man, Colin Firth stars as George Falconer, a British professor grieving the sudden death of his partner Jim. The story centers around George’s reflections on their relationship and a chance connection with Kenny Potter, played by Nicholas Hoult, a perceptive and tender student whose gentle persistence awakens dormant emotions in George.
Hoult’s portrayal of Kenny offers more than youthful innocence; he embodies hope and possibility, quietly captivating the audience alongside Firth’s eloquent performance. Their shared scenes resonate with subtle emotional complexities that were pivotal, even as Firth garnered significant acclaim for his role, Hoult’s committed performance remained a powerful revelation of his early talent.
Delving into Gothic Horror with Nosferatu (2024)
Robert Eggers’ reimagining of the classic vampire tale casts Nicholas Hoult as Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent whose trip to Transylvania to close a deal with Count Orlok takes a sinister turn. Bill Skarsgård’s daunting Count Orlok captivates visually, while Hoult’s subdued performance conveys a mounting paranoia as Thomas encounters supernatural terror.
Eggers’ direction required Hoult to maintain restrained facial expressions throughout, especially his eyebrows, resulting in an understated portrayal of emotional unraveling. Hoult’s internalized apprehension contrasts with the grotesque menace of Orlok, making the horror feel intimate and elevating the film’s slow-building, atmospheric dread and haunting production design.
Portraying a Menacing Ideologue in The Order (2024)
Set against the backdrop of the Pacific Northwest in the early 1980s, The Order revolves around FBI agent Terry Husk’s investigation into a series of racially motivated robberies linked to white supremacist Bob Matthews, played by Hoult. Matthews leads a violent faction driven by extremist views, posing a real threat of domestic terrorism.
Hoult’s chilling portrayal of Matthews stands out as a quiet menace, devoid of overt rage but filled with cold confidence. His ability to embody a composed yet terrifying villain marks this role as a significant turning point in his career. Despite mixed critical reviews of the film, Hoult’s nuanced command of such a dark character attracted notable attention and added depth to his portfolio of villainous roles.
Emotional Authenticity in About a Boy (2002)
In the coming-of-age story About a Boy, Hugh Grant stars as Will Freeman, a carefree man whose encounter with Marcus, a socially awkward 12-year-old played by Hoult, catalyzes mutual growth. Marcus’s earnest struggle with his emotionally distant mother and school life contrasts with Will’s immature existence and forces both to confront their realities.
Hoult’s raw and sincere performance as Marcus avoids clichéd child actor stereotypes, delivering a lived-in authenticity that touches on deep themes of loneliness and emotional resilience. Combined with sharp writing and compelling chemistry between the leads, the film remains a beloved classic exemplifying Hoult’s early skill at conveying complex feelings through subtlety.
Exploring Historical Racism with The Banker (2020)
The Banker dramatizes the true story of two African-American entrepreneurs in the 1960s who enlist a white man, Matt Steiner, played by Hoult, to help them infiltrate the real estate and banking industries. As Garrett and Morris establish their empire offering loans to Black families, unforeseen complications arise due to Steiner’s naivety and vulnerability.
Hoult brings nuanced complexity to Matt Steiner, portraying an ambitious yet insecure man whose well-meaning actions have critical consequences. His performance adds a humanizing element to this polished historical drama, effectively highlighting the frailty and contradictions of a character caught between idealism and harsh realities. Alongside Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie, Hoult helps ground the film‘s social commentary in personal struggle.
Science and Emotion in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
In this blockbuster, Hoult returns as Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, a brilliant scientist battling inner conflict amid a future where mutants face extinction. To change history, Wolverine must restore the fractured alliance of Charles Xavier and Magneto, with Hank playing a critical role in the plan through his serum that suppresses mutation but also impacts Xavier’s abilities.
Hoult receives substantial screen time here, imbuing Beast with a mixture of scientific rigor and emotional depth. His interactions with James McAvoy’s Xavier, especially during moments of vulnerability, offer a grounded human connection amid the film’s science fiction drama. Hoult balances Beast’s cerebral nature with moments of rage and compassion, holding his own alongside franchise stalwarts like Hugh Jackman.
Wit and Intrigue in The Favourite (2018)
Yorgos Lanthimos’ dark comedy transports viewers to Queen Anne’s 18th-century court, where political cunning and personal ambition collide. Hoult plays Robert Harley, a sly and opportunistic politician maneuvering within the palace’s factional struggles between Lady Sarah and Abigail.
Amid stellar performances by Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz, Hoult shines as a mischievous schemer who exploits the violent dynamics of power with aristocratic charm. His role, filled with subtle humor and strategic manipulation, complements the film’s sharp satire on hierarchy and influence, adding a distinct edge to the ensemble.
Transformation through Faith in Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
As part of the intense post-apocalyptic chase in Mad Max: Fury Road, Hoult embodies Nux, a fervent War Boy soldier consumed by fanaticism and eager to die gloriously. His character undergoes a poignant transformation, questioning his beliefs and loyalties as he travels with Max and Furiosa through deadly sandstorms.
Nux’s evolution from zealot to a tragic figure adds emotional resonance amid the film’s relentless action and spectacle. Hoult’s portrayal imbues the character with vulnerability and humanity within director George Miller’s high-octane vision, making the film not only a technical masterpiece but also a moving study of redemption.
Moral Complexity in Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2
In this tense courtroom drama directed by Clint Eastwood, Hoult plays Justin Kemp, a journalist on a jury for a high-profile murder trial who faces inner turmoil over his possible role in the victim’s death. The unfolding case forces Justin to grapple with his guilt while navigating pressure from prosecutor Faith, portrayed by Toni Collette, and fellow juror Harold, who digs for the truth.
Hoult’s physical and emotional portrayal effectively captures Justin’s conflict and vulnerability. His trembling voice and shifting body language accentuate the weight of secrecy and fear, elevating the film’s psychological intensity. The dynamic interplay between the cast makes this legal thriller a gripping exploration of conscience.
Dark Satire in The Menu (2022)
Set on a remote island, The Menu follows a group of elitist diners at an exclusive restaurant where chef Slowik orchestrates an evening that evolves from sophisticated dining to an unsettling psychological contest. Hoult plays Tyler, a pretentious foodie more focused on culinary art theory than survival.
Hoult’s intentionally grating depiction of Tyler captures the character’s smugness and spinelessness, blending humor with horror, especially in moments where his lack of control becomes painfully evident. Alongside Ralph Fiennes and Anya Taylor-Joy, Hoult contributes to the film’s darkly comedic tone and its critique of class and excess, culminating in a performance that remains memorable for its awkwardness and irony.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Nicholas Hoult in Harry Potter?
A. Nicholas Hoult tried out for several significant roles in the Harry Potter movies, but he was not chosen for any of them, according to IMDb.
