FridayOL

Nicholas Hoult is poised to make a major splash as Lex Luthor in James Gunn's highly anticipated Superman. But for those in the know, this isn't the actor's first foray into the world of superheroes. Hoult famously portrayed Hank McCoy/Beast in X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, and X-Men: Apocalypse. Ahead of Superman's release, Hoult recently opened up about his experience in the superhero genre, his thoughts on the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the enduring impact of Kelsey Grammer's portrayal of Beast.

Speaking to IGN, Hoult acknowledged the enduring fascination with the Marvel universe, particularly the Avengers. While he didn't elaborate on specific conversations, he confirmed that Marvel Studios had, at some point, considered him for a role. “There’s been… conversations,” he stated cryptically, leaving fans wondering if a future MCU appearance might be on the cards. The possibility of joining the Avengers, especially after his X-Men history, is undoubtedly a tantalizing prospect for both Hoult and his fans.

The discussion naturally led to the iconic portrayal of Beast by Kelsey Grammer in Bryan Singer's X-Men trilogy. Hoult, who took over the role from Grammer, spoke with considerable respect for his predecessor. He recognized the significant impact Grammer had on the character and the franchise. “Kelsey was brilliant,” Hoult remarked. “He really set the tone for the character. He was such a presence.” Hoult's interpretation of Beast evolved significantly, showcasing a younger, more emotionally vulnerable version of the character, but he clearly appreciates the foundation laid by Grammer.

Hoult's current role as Lex Luthor represents a significant shift for the actor, moving him from the mutant world of X-Men to the DC Universe’s most formidable adversary. The upcoming Superman film promises a fresh take on the classic rivalry between Superman and Lex Luthor, and Hoult's performance is already generating considerable buzz. His portrayal is expected to be more nuanced and complex than previous iterations, exploring the character's motivations and intellect in greater depth.

With the multiverse now a key component of both the MCU and the DCU, the possibility of Hoult crossing over between franchises seems less far-fetched than ever. While nothing is confirmed, the actor’s openness to discussions with Marvel and his admiration for Kelsey Grammer's Beast suggest a potential future where he could once again don the blue fur, perhaps in a very different context. For now, audiences eagerly await his debut as Lex Luthor, a role that promises to solidify his status as a leading actor in the superhero genre.