Turning 36 today, Hoult has carved out a unique career defined by his willingness to take risks, often excelling in roles that require a blend of intense anxiety, aristocratic aloofness, and surprising physical transformation. He is currently one of Hollywood’s most in-demand talents, balancing star turns in blockbusters with critically acclaimed period dramas.
Here are 10 of Nicholas Hoult’s most essential and unforgettable roles.
About a Boy (2002)
Hoult achieved his breakthrough role as a child actor in this charming British comedy-drama, playing Marcus Brewer, the odd, lonely 12-year-old who unexpectedly forms a bond with the rich, irresponsible Will Freeman (Hugh Grant). Hoult’s performance was praised for its sincerity and depth, successfully grounding the film’s emotional core and establishing his natural screen presence at a young age.
Skins (2007-2008)
This groundbreaking British teen drama provided Hoult with his first major adult role, defining a generation’s view of adolescence. Hoult starred as Tony Stonem, the charismatic, manipulative, and highly intelligent anti-hero of the first two seasons. His portrayal of the egocentric high school student, whose personality drastically changes after a traumatic accident, was a cultural touchstone that cemented his ability to play morally complex, dark characters.
The Great (2020–2023)
In his most celebrated television role, Hoult earned massive acclaim and multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations as Emperor Peter III of Russia, the childish, depraved, yet strangely lovable husband of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning). His masterful blend of arrogant stupidity and unexpected vulnerability anchors this satirical, darkly comedic historical series, proving his dominance in prestige television.
Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)
In a radical, transformative pivot, Hoult starred in George Miller’s action masterpiece as Nux, a frantic, fanatical “War Boy” obsessed with dying gloriously and entering Valhalla. Hoult fully immersed himself in the character’s manic energy and grotesque appearance, delivering a performance that was both frenetic and surprisingly emotional, as Nux evolves from a villain to a redeemed hero.
Superman (2025)
In a major career milestone, Hoult joined the DC Universe as the iconic supervillain Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s highly anticipated reboot. The role, which he landed after previously auditioning for Superman, is a driven, hyper-intelligent tech billionaire whose obsession with humanity’s autonomy makes him view the Man of Steel as an existential threat. His portrayal was critically acclaimed.
The Menu (2022)
Hoult delivered a brilliant, cringeworthy performance in this black comedy horror film as Tyler, an insufferable, food-obsessed enthusiast who brings his unimpressed date to an exclusive, deadly dining experience. Hoult perfectly captures Tyler’s self-importance and desperation, making him the ideal focus for the film’s brutal satire on food snobbery and fandom.
The Favourite (2018)
In Yorgos Lanthimos’s Oscar-winning period black comedy, Hoult held his own against the powerful female leads as Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford, the foppish, cunning Tory Leader of the Opposition. With his heavy makeup, wigs, and stylized dialogue, Hoult masterfully portrayed the era’s aristocratic pettiness and ambition, further proving his skill in high-end ensemble dramas.
X-Men: First Class (2011)
Hoult took on the complex role of Hank McCoy/Beast in the franchise reboot. He portrayed Hank as a brilliant, anxious scientist struggling with his physical mutation, providing the intellectual and emotional anchor for the younger team. His performance balanced intellectual curiosity with inner turmoil, making him a critical part of the successful revitalization of the series.
Juror #2 (2024)
In this final film directed by Clint Eastwood, Hoult took the lead as Justin Kemp, a juror in a high-profile murder trial who realizes he may have accidentally killed the victim. The role showcases Hoult’s specific talent for portraying anxious, covert paranoia and moral distress, creating a captivating antihero who is the emotional center of the tension-filled legal thriller.
Nosferatu (2024)
Hoult stars as the protagonist Thomas Hutter in Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated remake of the classic vampire horror film. Hoult’s portrayal of the earnest, easily manipulated real estate agent—who unknowingly subjects his wife to the Count’s obsession—was lauded for conveying palpable, rising panic, fitting perfectly into Eggers’ dark, visually intense aesthetic.