English actor Nicholas Hoult, 35, has played roles in some mammoth films. The performer has so far been nominated for a British Academy Film Award, two Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.
He has covered some iconic parts, including Beast from X-Men fame, Superman’s Lex Luthor, and Nux from Mad Max: Fury Road. Hoult made his acting debut at the young age of five and has gone on to deliver some solid performances in over 30 films. According to Rotten Tomatoes, the recently released Superman has won Hoult huge acclaim, and he is also well-known for roles from About a Boy to Nosferatu. Here’s a look at ten of his most iconic roles from number ten to number one.
Nosferatu
This Robert Eggers’ film is described as a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her according to Rotton Tomatoes.
Critics called it: “A behemoth of a horror film that is equal parts repulsive and seductive.”
Hoult starred as Thomas Hutter, a real estate agent based on Bram Stoker’s character Jonathan Harker.
A Single Man
Acting guru Colin Firth plays the part of George who is a English college professor in 1962. George lost his lover, Jim, in a car accident and navigates the new found turmoil this brings. The protaginist is terribly grief-striken and longs to end his life. Encounters with people around him including an old friend played by Julianne Moore lead him to decide whether life is worth living without his partner.
Critics raved: “Though the costumes are beautiful and the art direction impeccable, what stands out most from this debut by fashion designer Tom Ford is the leading performance by Colin Firth.”
Hoult played Kenny Potter who is a student of George Falconer and he has a curiousity about his professor that extends beyond the classroom.
X-Men First Class
Achieving 86% on Rotten Tomateos, this 2011 film won critical acclaim for the popular Marvel franchise. Hoult played the inconic role of Beast, a scientist who possesses uperhuman physical strength and agility.
In the early 1960s, during the height of the Cold War, a mutant named Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) meets a fellow mutant named Erik Lehnsherr (Michael Fassbender) and the two develop a complicated friendship as they struggle to save mankind.
Critics said: “With a strong script, stylish direction, and powerful performances from its well-rounded cast, X-Men: First Class is a welcome return to form for the franchise.”
The Menu
A couple played by Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult travel to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant. The chef who is performed by Ralph Fiennes has prepared a oppulent menu with some shocking surprises.
The 2022 film sees Hoult play the part of Tyler and he stole the show with his showcasing of a pretencious foodie.
Critics claimed: “While its social commentary relies on basic ingredients, The Menu serves up black comedy with plenty of flavor.”
X-Men: Days of Future Past
Mutants go up against robotic weapons in this clash of the titans. Starring Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, it sees Hoult reprise his role as the furry blue X-Man known as Beast.
In the 21st century, the robot sentinels have evolved into highly efficient killing machines and with the mutants now an endangered species Wolverine volunteers to go back to the past to rally the X-Men into action. But the mission isn’t easy as the superhero tries to get the assistance needed to change the course of history and save the mutants from extinction.
Critics raved: “X-Men: Days of Future Past combines the best elements of the series to produce a satisfyingly fast-paced outing that ranks among the franchise’s finest installments.”
The Order
This 2024 movie scored 93% on Rotten Tomateos. FBI agent Terry Husk played by Jude Law tracks down a series of broad daylight robberies and armored car heists that leave the public feeling terrorised. Husk soon believes that the robberies are being conducted by a domestic terrorist group to finance an armed uprising against the government. Based on a true story, Husk and his team follow white supremacists down a rabbithole as they try to stop the violence.
Hoult plays the role of the antagonist, white supremiscist leader Robert Jay Matthews who was burned alive in a shootout with 75 federal agents in 1984.
Critics said: “A stoic Jude Law and diabolically good Nicholas Hoult turn the tides of history in this grippingly intense thrill ride.”
Juror #2
Released last year and directed by Clint Eastwood, this film follows family man Justin Kemp, performed by Nicholas Hoult. While serving as a juror in a high profile murder trial, the main man finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma.
Critics reviewed: “A legal thriller with a heavy conscience, Juror #2 is less a summation of Clint Eastwood’s storied directorial career than another terrific reminder of his knack for plain-spoken drama.”
About a Boy
One of the oldest films on the list, released back in 2002 sees Hoult play a 12-year-old boy named Marcus, alongside Hugh Grant, who plays a irresponsible, rich Londoner in his thirties who, in search of available women. Grant’s character of Will befriends Marcus with both characters learning a lot from eachother during this unlikely friendship.
Critics said: “About a Boy benefits tremendously from Hugh Grant’s layered performance, as well as a funny, moving story that tugs at the heartstrings without tilting into treacle.”
The Favourite
Set in the early 18th century during a time when England was at war with the French, this film tells the story of elements of Queen Anne’s rein. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne in the film, and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country while tending to Anne’s ill health and temper. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives at court, her charm endears her to Sarah who takes the girl under her wing, and Abigail has a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.
Hoult plays Robert Hartley, the leader of the opposition who was also a powerful British statesman.
Critics claimed: “The Favourite sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext – and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars.”
Mad Max: Fury Road
With a near perfect score on Rotten Tomateos of 97%, this film tops the charts for movies Hoult has starred in during his career so far. Mad Max: Fury Road brings George Miller’s post-apocalyptic vision roaring vigorously back to life as the latest in the franchise smashed the box office grossing $370m worldwide.
Critics purred: “With exhilarating action and a surprising amount of narrative heft, Mad Max: Fury Road brings George Miller’s post-apocalyptic franchise roaring vigorously back to life.”
Hoult played the part of Nux, a member of Immortan Joe’s army of War Boys.