Nicholas Hoult Admits He Was a Tongue-Tied ‘Lemon’ Meeting Brad Pitt Ahead of Superman Launch

8 July 2025

Credit: Mike Marsland/WireImage; Jeff Spicer/Getty

Nicholas Hoult, who takes on the role of Lex Luthor in the eagerly anticipated Superman, recently revealed a moment of unexpected vulnerability during a Venice Film Festival encounter with Brad Pitt, describing himself as tongue-tied and unable to muster more than a “lemon-like” stare. Appearing on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Hoult admitted that despite decades of experience and a résumé that includes Skins and The Great, meeting Pitt left him stuttering and almost speechless, a rare moment of starstruck awe from a seasoned actor.

Hoult’s account resonated with audiences seeking authenticity behind the glitz. He acknowledged Pitt’s warm response, recalling how the veteran actor complimented Hoult’s performance in the TV show The Great, calling it “really funny” and addressing him as “lovely.” Despite the flattering exchange, Hoult confessed he was too stunned to respond gracefully, admitting “I just stood there like a lemon”

For those set to see Hoult’s portrayal of Lex Luthor on the big screen, this anecdote offers a glimpse into the real person beneath the villain’s bald façade. Scheduled to premiere on July 11 under James Gunn’s direction, Superman casts Hoult opposite David Corenswet’s take on Clark Kent, promising an emotionally rich narrative about heroism and moral clarity in challenging times.

In the podcast setting, Hoult’s frank retelling contrasted sharply with Lex Luthor’s calculated coldness, reminding fans that even polished film stars harbor childlike admiration for Hollywood icons. His surprise speaks to the power of celebrity in any form, fame can humble even the most composed artists.

As Superman draws near, Hoult’s candid reaction underscores a broader truth: beneath Hollywood’s scripted personas and promotional bustle, real connections and genuine humility still shape careers. In an industry full of staged interactions, his story stands out as refreshingly unscripted.