Prior to landing the role of the villain in James Gunn’s Superman movie, Nicholas Hoult was up to play Batman, a role that ultimately went to Robert Pattinson. While promoting Nosferatu (I’m told it’s a “must see xmas movie”), Holt was asked about Batman. He had some fun with the question and even seemed to tease the voice.
Nicholas Hoult: From Batman To Superman To Lex Luthor
Josh Horowitz interviewed Nicholas Hoult about his experiences auditioning for both Batman and Superman. Hoult had also auditioned for the role of the new Man of Steel, which went to David Corenswet. However, James Gunn felt Hoult was better suited for a villainous role and cast him as Lex Luthor in the DCU.
While discussing Batman, Hoult shared how auditioning for such iconic roles can be an emotional experience, especially when you don’t land them. Josh Horowitz then brought up the added challenge of how public the process has become, with the news now reporting not only who got the role but also who didn’t.
Hoult on Almost Becoming Batman
Hoult recalled a moment when he was driving a week before his Batman audition and heard on the radio that Robert Pattinson had already been cast as Batman. Hoult thought to himself that couldn’t be true, as he still had his audition the following week. Horowitz joked that Hoult should have called the radio station from London to set the record straight. In response, Hoult playfully dropped into a Batman voice, saying, “Hey, it’s me.” Watch the clip below.
Wanted to play Batman
When asked about not getting the role, Hoult expressed that Robert Pattinson deserved it and praised Matt Reeves as a “fantastic director.” Hoult admitted he really wanted the part, saying he loved the script and thought, “This is going to be a cool movie I want to be a part of,” featuring “brilliant characters.”
Dangerous and imposing Lex
While he didn’t land the role of the Dark Knight, James Gunn recently told Horowitz that Hoult’s Lex is “imposing” and “not the person you want to have against you.” Hoult also recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel and said his Lex is “dangerous.”
Nosferatu opens Dec. 25, 2024; Superman flies into theaters on July 11, 2025; Matt Reeves and Robert Pattinson’s The Batman: Part Two is supposed to be released on October 2, 2026; James Gunn is still waiting for the script.
Watch Nicholas Hoult do his Batman voice:
Nicholas Hoult's #Batman voice via @joshuahorowitz pic.twitter.com/VbW5TH8T2K
— Cosmic Book News (@cosmicbooknews) December 13, 2024
