Nicholas Hoult, a talented actor known for his compelling performances, came remarkably close to securing the iconic role of Bruce Wayne in Matt Reeves’ highly anticipated film The Batman. He expressed that missing out on this opportunity felt like an “emotional blow,” reflecting the intense competition and pressure actors face in Hollywood.

During a candid conversation with Josh Horowitz on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Nicholas Hoult shared the emotional intricacies of his audition for The Batman. Although he acknowledged that Robert Pattinson was a fitting choice for the role, he candidly described the experience as an “emotional blow” to come so close and ultimately not secure the part. This candid admission highlights the rollercoaster of emotions that accompany the audition process, especially for a role as significant as Batman.

“Indeed, it is an emotional blow because your imagination runs wild! You understand on a practical level,” Hoult explained. “I was aware that I was auditioning against Rob, who was fantastic in that movie. While I believe the decision was the right one, the prospect of working with Matt, a brilliant director, and engaging with a script that truly excited me made it a thrilling opportunity I wanted to be part of.”

Hoult elaborated on the complex feelings that arise after losing a coveted role: “There’s a strange period to navigate before acceptance sets in, where you see the movie and think, ‘Oh, that works, that was the right choice.’ You grapple with thoughts like, ‘What could I have done differently?’ It’s a common struggle, but it feels particularly surreal when your journey is publicly scrutinized. It’s one thing to face personal setbacks, but having them broadcast to the world adds an unexpected layer of drama to the experience.”

Recalling the moment he learned that Robert Pattinson was cast as the new Batman, Hoult shared a poignant memory: “I was driving in my car when I heard on the radio that Rob was announced as the new Batman, and I thought, ‘Well, it’s not confirmed yet.’ I was about to audition the following weekend, hoping for a chance to show what I could bring to the role.”

In addition to his near-miss with Batman, Nicholas Hoult also auditioned for the role of Superman in the upcoming James Gunn film. However, it was ultimately decided that his talents would be better suited for the character of Lex Luthor. “James Gunn is an extraordinary director, and I was genuinely thrilled by the vision he was crafting for DC. Hoult remarked, “When we discussed my previous experience with the Batman auditions, they were understanding and wanted to spare me that emotional turmoil again. Their kindness was evident in their desire to include me in this universe as an actor.” The highly anticipated Superman film is set to debut in theaters on July 11, 2025, promising an exciting new chapter for comic book enthusiasts.

Recently, Nicholas Hoult showcased his acting prowess in Clint Eastwood’s latest film, Juror #2, which has been released in a limited number of theaters across the country by Warner Bros. This film marks another significant point in Hoult’s career, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to taking on challenging roles.