Nicholas Hoult Says It’s “warm and safe” to be held by David Corenswet, Reveals Wife’s Surprising Reaction

For every unstoppable hero, there must be a mind sharp enough to cut through steel. That is the essence of any Superman tale, and in the latest chapter, Superman: Legacy, it is Nicholas Hoult who steps up to craft a Lex Luthor full of wicked brilliance, following the notorious turns of Kevin Spacey and Jesse Eisenberg. Across from him, David Corenswet rises in the iconic suit, ready to clash. But away from the cameras, something unexpected happened. Hoult recently spilled the story of what it really feels like to embrace Corenswet.

Turns out even Lex Luthor is not immune to Superman’s charm, Nicholas Hoult opened up about an unexpected hug with David Corenswet and his wife’s hilarious take on the moment.

Nicholas Hoult shares the unexpected story and his wife’s reaction to hugging David Corenswet

In a podcast appearance on Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, Nicholas Hoult shared a playful story from his personal life, revealing how a conversation with his wife, Bryana Holly, led to an unexpected moment. She remarked how comforting it must be to be held by someone bigger, pointing out that Hoult rarely experiences that himself. Holly suggested, “David could hold you.” Taking her words to heart, Hoult asked David Corenswet for a hug and later described it as feeling “it felt warm and safe.”

Dax Shepard shared his own hilarious encounter, recalling the time Shaquille O’Neal lifted him like a child. While arriving at a Westwood premiere, Shepard boldly joked from behind, asking O’Neal to move aside so he could be the tallest person there. Thankfully, O’Neal recognized him, turned around, and without hesitation, scooped him up under the arms like a baby—an unforgettable and strangely delightful experience Shepard still remembers with laughter. Moving from humor to admiration, Hoult also recently reflected on why David Corenswet was, in his view, the perfect Superman.

Nicholas Hoult, once in the running for Superman himself, opened up about why David Corenswet, who received guidance from Henry Cavill, ultimately soared higher, and why he believes the cape found its rightful owner.

Nicholas Hoult shares why David Corenswet rightfully earned the Superman cape

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Nicholas Hoult recounted a striking moment from his Superman audition experience with David Corenswet. After finishing a scene he felt had gone well, Hoult turned a corner and found Corenswet illuminated as if by fate, what he humorously called “charging up from the sun.” Observing Corenswet’s strong jawline, rich voice, and taller build, Hoult admitted that as they shook hands, he genuinely thought he would be proud to see this man as Superman.

The Primetime Emmy nominee reflected on that unforgettable moment, admitting that David Corenswet looked so perfectly suited for Superman that his first thought was simply, “what the f—.” Corenswet remembered it as well, describing the strange feeling of meeting someone he admired while both wore the same legendary suit. He later said Nicholas Hoult accepting the role of Lex Luthor was the best thing for the film. That surreal encounter sparked a playful dynamic that later included Hoult sharing what it felt like to hug Superman.

What do you think about Nicholas Hoult’s story of hugging David Corenswet? Let us know in the comments below.