Actor Nicholas Hoult spoke about why David Corenswet was picked to portray the eponymous character in Superman during a recent interview. The Mad Max: Fury Road actor also auditioned for the role but was ultimately cast as Lex Luthor in the movie.
Nicholas Hoult on why David Corenswet was the better choice for Superman
Hoult and Corenswet appeared on the June 25 episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! and discussed Superman with guest host Diego Luna. They confirmed that they auditioned for Clark Kent / Superman on the same day. This prompted Luna to ask whether they saw each other. In response, Hoult recalled that he had finished one of his audition scenes and had been feeling good about it when he walked around a corner and noticed Corenswet, sitting under “one ray of sunshine,” surrounded by shadows.
Hoult added that it seemed like Corenswet was “charging up from the sun” just like Superman. The actor humorously added that when he walked up to Corenswet to say “hello,” the Twisters actor stood up, making him notice Corenswet’s jawline and that he was “about an inch taller” than him and had a deeper voice. Hoult continued, “In that moment, whilst we were shaking hands, I was like, I’d be happy if this guy was Superman.”
The Primetime Emmy nominee recalled that he felt Corenswet was perfect to play the character they were both vying for. He then said he had thought, “But also what the f—.”
Corenswet spoke about that encounter as well. He stated that he had always “admired” Hoult as an actor, observing that meeting him while they were both dressed as Clark Kent was a “bit weird.” Corenswet added, “The day I found out that he [Hoult] had agreed to play Lex Luthor, I thought this may be the best thing that happened to this film, because a superhero is only as interesting as their villain.”
Superman debuts in U.S. theaters on July 11, 2025.
