At six-foot-three with those iconic, piercing blue eyes, Nicholas Hoult might seem every bit the intimidating Hollywood lead. But behind the new Lex Luthor’s steely glare is something far more unexpected—a soft-spoken, self-effacing goofball with a heart of gold.
In i-D Magazine’s latest digital cover, photographed by Ilya Lipkin and profiled by Douglas Greenwood, Hoult strips away the supervillain facade. This summer, he’s set to go head-to-head with Clark Kent in the much-anticipated Superman reboot, taking on the megalomaniac role of Lex Luthor in what promises to be a defining performance. It’s a bold follow-up to his haunting turn in last year’s gothic Nosferatu.
Yet, it’s not just the roles that define him. From Skins to Warm Bodies, Mad Max, and now the biggest year of his career, Hoult’s remained disarmingly grounded. He tells i-D stories of blanking Tom Ford, embracing his inner dork, and the quiet zen moments found in the chaos of global press tours. “Everything about him,” Greenwood writes, “from the hushed voice to that dimpled, closed-mouth smile, exudes softness.”
This is Nicholas Hoult at his most powerful—and most personal. Explore the full cover story and images on i-d.co.
Talent: @nicholashoult
Photographed by @ilya_lipkin
Styled by @thomthomclub
Written by @douglasgrnwd
Grooming: @nellichristine
Set Design: @robertdoran_
Tailor: @tailorhere
BTS Video: @norabermansurprise
Production: @themorrisongroup
Post Production: @_thehandofgod
Location: @lermitagebh
