Sometimes in Hollywood, the best stories come from behind the scenes — and that’s exactly what happened with the upcoming Superman movie directed by James Gunn. Before the world got a new Superman in David Corenswet, and before Nicholas Hoult officially stepped into the shoes of the iconic villain Lex Luthor, the two actors shared a unique and surprisingly humble moment — at the very same audition.
Nicholas Hoult Shocking Reveal
Both actors recently sat down together on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to promote the film, and what they shared was a rare look at how casting choices play out in real life. Guest host Diego Luna brought up the elephant in the room — the fact that both of them had tried out for the same role. And that’s when things got interesting.
“This is very awkward. Yes, I auditioned for Superman,” Nicholas Hoult admitted, smiling. Sitting next to him, Corenswet added that they had auditioned on the same day and had even seen each other there.
At the time, the media was buzzing with speculation about who would play the next Man of Steel. Back in 2023, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Nicholas Hoult was one of the finalists being seriously considered. But in the end, the cape went to David Corenswet, a rising star whose clean-cut look and calm energy felt straight out of a comic book panel.
Still, what stood out more than anything was Hoult’s honesty about the moment he realized the role might not be his — and his surprisingly gracious reaction.
“I walked out of doing one of my audition scenes, and I was like, ‘Yeah, not bad. OK,’” Hoult said during the interview. “And I walked around the corner, and there were lots of shadows on the studio lot and then one ray of sunshine.”
It sounds like a scene straight out of a movie, but what he saw next was even more poetic.
“David had taken a seat in this ray of sunshine and was sitting there, charging up from the sun like Superman does, getting his power,” Hoult joked.
But it didn’t stop there. As he approached to say hi, Hoult took one look at Corenswet and thought, “This guy might actually be Superman.”
“He stood up, and I was like, ‘Goddamn, he’s about an inch taller than me. Look at his hair. Look at his jawline.’ And then he started speaking, and I shook his hand, and I was like, ‘His hands are a bit bigger than me.’ And then he spoke, and I was like, ‘Oh, his voice is a little bit deeper too.’”
It’s not every day you hear an actor openly admitting that someone else was simply more perfect for a role. But Hoult didn’t stop at admiration — he felt genuinely happy that Corenswet had landed the part.
“In that moment, whilst we were shaking hands, I was like, ‘I’d be happy if this guy was Superman.’ I was like, ‘You’re perfect for it.’”
Corenswet, for his part, returned the love. “I admired Nick as an actor for a long time,” he said. He admitted it felt “a bit weird” when they were both there, dressed as Clark Kent, but also called it “wonderful.”
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But here’s the story takes another interesting turn
When Corenswet found out that Nicholas Hoult would be playing Lex Luthor — Superman’s iconic enemy — he was genuinely excited.
“The day that I found out that he had agreed to play Lex Luthor, I thought, ‘This may be the best thing that happens to this film,’” Corenswet said. “Because a superhero is only as interesting as their villain.”
And that’s very true. Superman has always been portrayed as the symbol of hope, strength, and goodness. But what makes those qualities shine brighter is the contrast — the dark brilliance of Lex Luthor, who believes power should come from intelligence, influence, and control rather than strength.
In many ways, having an actor like Hoult play Lex makes the story even more compelling. He’s not just bringing charm and talent to the role — he’s bringing a level of emotional depth. This isn’t just another bad guy who wants to blow things up. If done right, Hoult’s Lex will be someone who truly believes he’s doing what’s best for the world, even if his methods are extreme.
The idea of these two men — who once auditioned side by side — now facing off on the big screen is something fans are already excited about. And they won’t have to wait much longer. Superman, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, is set to hit theaters on July 11.
Rachel Brosnahan, best known for her role in The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, plays the fearless and sharp-witted journalist Lois Lane — a key part of the Superman story. Her chemistry with Corenswet is already being hyped as one of the emotional anchors of the film.
Directed and written by James Gunn, the film marks a fresh start for the Superman franchise under the new DC Universe reboot. Gunn, who is known for bringing heart, humor, and edge to superhero films (Guardians of the Galaxy, The Suicide Squad), is expected to balance action with emotional storytelling — something Superman fans have been craving.
While the film promises plenty of action and big moments, it’s these small, real-life interactions that make the build-up even more special. Seeing two talented actors like Hoult and Corenswet support each other, despite being competitors at one point, is not something we see often. In an industry where egos can run high, this kind of humility and mutual respect stands out.
So, what started as an awkward audition turned into something far more meaningful — not just for the actors involved, but for fans as well. Nicholas Hoult didn’t get to wear the cape, but he’s now in a position to steal the show as Lex Luthor. And Corenswet, who once sat quietly in a sunbeam waiting for his turn, is now ready to carry the legacy of Superman into a new era.
One thing’s clear: with this cast, this director, and this story, Superman is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about films of the year. And fans will be flying into theaters this July, eager to see just how this new chapter unfolds.