What is a Superman story without a villain brilliant enough to challenge him at every turn? As DC charges ahead with Superman: Legacy, Nicholas Hoult gears up to bring a deliciously cunning Lex Luthor to life, stepping into a role once commanded by Kevin Spacey and Jesse Eisenberg. With James Gunn at the helm and David Corenswet suited up as the new Man of Steel, the stage is set for a fresh face-off. However, Hoult recently spilled the beans on the one unexpectedly funny reason Corenswet managed to get under his skin.

David Corenswet left Nicholas Hoult fuming—and not in character. With fan anticipation boiling over, the reason turned out to be hilariously simple and completely unexpected.

When Superman annoyed Lex: David Corenswet left Nicholas Hoult fuming

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! with guest host Diego Luna, Nicholas Hoult shared a moment that caught him off guard. When David Corenswet called to say he had landed the role of Lex Luthor, Hoult could not help but laugh—because back when he first read the script, he thought Corenswet actually suited Lex more than Superman. Reflecting on it with a grin, Hoult added, “I haven’t stopped hating ever since. It’s perfect, it’s great fuel for the fire.”  Hoult soon then described a different feeling.

Nicholas Hoult admitted the casting felt strangely fitting, like something unspoken had finally surfaced. He recalled thinking it “was probably the better fit for you,” though he had kept that opinion to himself. Hoult then laughed as the conversation took a lighter turn, bringing up the time he shaved his head for the role. However, Hoult’s first look as Lex Luthor received immense love from fans. He later explained what, in his eyes, made David Corenswet the ideal choice to wear the cape.

Nicholas Hoult, who originally auditioned to play Superman, shared why he believed David Corenswet was the one who truly deserved to don the cape, among several other reasons.

Superman showdown: Nicholas Hoult reveals the reason David Corenswet was the true fit

On the same episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Nicholas Hoult shared a vivid memory from the day he auditioned for Superman alongside David Corenswet. After wrapping up a scene he felt confident about, Hoult turned a corner and saw Corenswet sitting in a dramatic spotlight—what he jokingly described as “charging up from the sun” like Superman himself. Noticing his jawline, deeper voice, and slightly taller frame, Hoult admitted, “In that moment, whilst we were shaking hands, I was like, I’d be happy if this guy was Superman.”

The Primetime Emmy nominee went on to admit that, in that surreal moment, David Corenswet simply looked the part too well. Though impressed, Hoult humorously confessed his reaction was also, “what the f—.” Corenswet recalled the encounter too, describing it as a strange experience—meeting someone he admired while both were dressed as the same character. He later added that Hoult’s agreeing to play Lex Luthor felt like the best thing that could have happened to the film. Corenswet and Hoult had fun reflecting on those hilarious early days.

What do you think about the reason David Corenswet left Nicholas Hoult fuming? Let us know in the comments below.