Nicholas Hoult is making waves as he transitions from the comedic world of television to the chilling realms of gothic horror films. Known for his sharp performative skills, Hoult is set to star in the much-anticipated movie Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, which is scheduled to release on January 1, 2025. This film promises to revive the Menacing Count Orlok from the 1922 German Expressionist classic, infusing it with modern cinematic techniques and storytelling.
Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, Hoult spoke candidly about his transition from the series The Great to the chilling atmosphere of Nosferatu. He shared, "I'd previously been shooting a show called The Great for awhile, and withthat character, I got away with a lot of comedic eyebrow twitches andmovements. So, I had to nix for this role because [director Robert Eggers]does not like it. He sent me quite a few [Ingmar Bergman] movies toresearch and watch as prep for Nosferatu, and there's very little eyebrow actingin them. So Rob does not enjoythat, and it felt very alien at first. I was like, 'OK, I have to try and keep my eyebrows as still as possible throughout this whole movie.'
Set against the backdrop of horror and obsession, Nosferatu features Hoult alongside stars like Bill Skarsgård, Lily-Rose Depp, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Emma Corrin, and Willem Dafoe. The plot delves deep, exploring the terrifying bond between a haunted young woman and the relentless vampire obsessed with her. Eggers, renowned for his previous works like The Witch and The Lighthouse, is noted for his unique vision and effective storytelling, which has generated substantial buzz around the project.
Meanwhile, Hoult’s recent encounters extend beyond horror to working with legendary director Clint Eastwood on the upcoming legal thriller Juror #2. This film portrays the moral dilemmas faced by Hoult’s character, Justin Kemp, during a high-profile murder trial. Reflecting on his time with Eastwood, Hoult shared, "He’s just an incredibly talented and kind man... He’s got a sharp wit, adry sense of humor, and so... we would laugh a lot.” His admiration for Eastwood is evident, as he emphasizes the director's ability to remain laid-back and trusting his audience's intelligence to fill gaps without overt explanation.
Showing the weight of Eastwood’s impact on Hoult, the actor noted, "What I learned the most is his ability to be very easy come and easy go about the art of creating.” He explained how this laid-back approach made working together enjoyable, providing him with space to explore his character without excessive pressure.
Beyond admiration, Hoult has expressed his desire to absorb knowledge from Eastwood, joking, "When you’re in the presence of greatness like, it’s like, ‘I’ll ask the dumb stupid question.’ I’ll say like, ‘Hey, how do you act? What do you do?’ " Even with humor, he took the wisdom Eastwood offered seriously: "He said it’s an emotional and instinctive art form. So don’t think too much — just do.” This philosophy seemed to resonate not only with Hoult but also adds layers of humanity to Eastwood’s legendary status.
The buzz around Juror #2 is palpable as well, with Eastwood noting the film tackles moral gray areas, stating, "It looks at the gray areas between the black and white of everyday circumstances and makes you decide for yourself.” The film will be available for streaming on Max starting December 20, 2023, and is widely anticipated not just for its impactful content but also for the performances delivered by its stellar cast, which features actors like Toni Collette and Kiefer Sutherland.
Both films mark pivotal points for Hoult, showcasing his versatility as he navigates complex characters and shifting genres within the film industry. These projects also highlight his eagerness to learn from some of the best minds in cinematography, capturing both the heartfelt and the horrific. This makes for one compelling narrative as audiences prepare to witness Hoult's performances grow and evolve, with excitement building around the mentioned releases.
Indeed, 2024 is set to be quite the year for fans of Nicholas Hoult, with the promise of Nosferatu's release along with Eastwood's latest work, Juror #2. Will his transition be the catalyst needed for his stardom to reach new heights? Only time will tell as the pieces come together for what is shaping up to be thrilling cinema.
