Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard: Episode Summary – "Nicholas Hoult Returns"

Release Date: July 7, 2025

In this engaging episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard, host Dax Shepard welcomes back the charismatic actor Nicholas Hoult to delve into a wide array of topics ranging from Hollywood experiences to personal anecdotes. Joined by Monica Padman, the conversation offers listeners a deep dive into Hoult's career, personal life, and his upcoming role in the highly anticipated "Superman" movie.

1. Welcoming Nicholas Hoult

The episode kicks off with Dax Shepard expressing his admiration for Nicholas Hoult, highlighting his Golden Globe nominations and his roles in films like Warm Bodies, About a Boy, and the upcoming Superman, set to release on July 11, 2025.

Dax Shepard [03:23]: "I've never bleached my hair before. This is a first."

2. Hairstyles and Public Image

Nicholas Hoult discusses his recent decision to bleach his hair for a role, emphasizing that it hasn't altered his personality but signified him having more fun.

Nicholas Hoult [03:25]: "I'm kind of into it. It hasn't changed my personality yet, but I'm gradually migrating into treats."

Dax playfully comments on the transformation, comparing it to a teenage look from the '80s, while Madame shares humorous remarks about body image and attractiveness.

3. Golden Globe Nominations and Industry Insights

Hoult reflects on his two Golden Globe nominations during tumultuous times—first during the COVID-19 pandemic and the second amid the Golden Globes boycott. He shares his disappointment about missing out on attending the ceremonies and his feelings during these periods.

Nicholas Hoult [04:03]: "It's brilliant. And such a great celebration of the stunt industry."

He also touches upon his thoughts on the potential introduction of a stunt category at the Oscars, thanks to director David Leitch's efforts.

4. Fitness, Body Image, and Parenting

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around fitness and body image. Dax humorously admits striving for a fit physique and acknowledges Hoult's naturally athletic appearance.

Monica Padman [06:00]: "You come up as the perfect male body."

Nicholas opens up about his fitness routine and a recent setback—torn ACL from a casual basketball game. He details the incident and his recovery process, highlighting the importance of physiotherapy over immediate surgery to maintain his role in an action-packed film.

5. Racing Adventures: Motorcycles and Cars

Hoult shares his passion for racing, recounting his experiences with motorcycles and cars. He narrates a recent motorcycle crash where he tore his ACL during a pickup game and his subsequent involvement in the Ferrari Challenge at Daytona.

Nicholas Hoult [14:03]: "I lost the back end into the tires."

He discusses the thrill and fear associated with high-speed racing, his commitment to improving despite setbacks, and compares his experiences across different racing events.

6. Working with Directors and Playing Villains

The discussion shifts to Hoult's collaborations with notable directors like Clint Eastwood and Justin Kozell. He elaborates on the challenges and rewards of portraying complex characters, particularly villains such as Lex Luthor in Superman.

Dax Shepard [36:10]: "What seemed like an easy anchor for that character was the hate and the bigotry and all that."

Hoult emphasizes the importance of understanding a villain's motivations and humanity to deliver a believable performance, showcasing his dedication to the craft.

7. Philosophical Influences and Acting Approach

Nicholas reflects on the philosophical teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, which influence his approach to acting and life. He shares a favorite quote that underscores the importance of working for the sake of work rather than the outcomes.

Nicholas Hoult [27:34]: "There's something very fun about playing Bill."

This philosophy aids him in embracing roles without the anxiety of results, allowing him to deliver more authentic performances.

8. Personal Life: Family and Parenting

Hoult provides insights into his personal life, including his role as a father to two children. He discusses the challenges and joys of parenting, such as school drop-offs and the influence of his American accent on his son.

Nicholas Hoult [22:37]: "We live not far from here in the hills. And then whenever I was leaving town for work, she would go down there to be closer to them."

Dax and Monica humorously explore topics related to parenting styles, gender roles, and the dynamics of raising children in a high-profile family.

9. Interactions with Other Celebrities

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Hoult shares his interactions with legends like Brad Pitt and Gene Hackman. He recounts meeting Pitt at the Venice Film Festival and working with Hackman on films like Unforgiven.

Nicholas Hoult [45:12]: "I ran into him last year at something and it was lovely. Cause you had a proper catch up and a good little giggle."

These stories highlight Hoult's admiration for seasoned actors and his desire to collaborate with them again in the future.

10. Challenges and Personal Reflections

The trio touches upon various personal challenges, including Dax's torn ACL, Monica's experiences with public perception, and the pressures of maintaining a public persona. They discuss coping mechanisms, such as hobbies, racing, and shared laughter, to navigate the complexities of life and fame.

Dax Shepard [63:57]: "What's the word I was condemning customarily? Not necessarily helpful."

11. Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

As the episode nears its conclusion, the focus shifts back to Hoult's role in Superman. He shares his excitement about auditioning for Lex Luthor and how his instincts led him to this iconic villain role.

Nicholas Hoult [49:03]: "So it worked out perfectly."

The hosts express their anticipation for the film's release and reflect on the themes discussed, reinforcing the episode's blend of professional insights and personal camaraderie.

Notable Quotes:

• Nicholas Hoult [03:25]: "I'm kind of into it. It hasn't changed my personality yet, but I'm gradually migrating into treats."

• Nicholas Hoult [14:03]: "I lost the back end into the tires."

• Nicholas Hoult [27:34]: "There's something very fun about playing Bill."

• Nicholas Hoult [45:12]: "I ran into him last year at something and it was lovely. Cause you had a proper catch up and a good little giggle."

Conclusion

This episode of Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard provides a multifaceted look into Nicholas Hoult’s life, both on and off the screen. From his commitment to his craft and physical fitness to his experiences as a father and interactions with Hollywood veterans, Hoult offers a candid and insightful narrative. The hosts seamlessly blend humor with depth, making this episode a must-listen for fans seeking an authentic glimpse into the life of one of today's versatile actors.