Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend – Episode Featuring Nicholas Hoult Release Date: January 6, 2025

Introduction to Nicholas Hoult

Timestamp: [09:22]

In this episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend, Conan welcomes acclaimed actor Nicholas Hoult as his guest. Hoult shares his journey in the entertainment industry, reflecting on his past roles, experiences with fame, and his recent projects.

Early Career and Breakthrough Roles

Timestamp: [10:00] – [17:00]

Conan begins by delving into Hoult's early career, particularly his role in "About a Boy" alongside Hugh Grant. Hoult reminisces about working with Grant, highlighting the invaluable lessons he learned from observing Grant's dedication and professionalism on set.

Nicholas Hoult: "I think a lot of my sense of humor probably stems down a little bit from him [Hugh Grant]. And also just, you know, how he was on set. He was so dedicated to the work and professional and kind and good with everyone..."

Conan praises Hoult's performance in "About a Boy", emphasizing how it remains a standout role in Hoult's career.

Navigating Fame and "Skins"

Timestamp: [18:00] – [27:00]

Discussing his role in the British series "Skins", Hoult opens up about the challenges of sudden fame during his teenage years. He describes the experience as a "weird transition," dealing with intense public scrutiny and balancing his personal life with his acting career.

Nicholas Hoult: "It was a weird transition because up until then I'd basically most of the time just been able to live my life very normally. And I still can mostly day to day."

Conan relates by sharing his own struggles with fame and recognition, drawing parallels between their experiences.

"The Great" and Collaborative Chemistry

Timestamp: [28:00] – [39:00]

The conversation shifts to Hoult's role in the Hulu series "The Great", where he stars alongside Elle Fanning. Hoult praises the writing and his on-screen chemistry with Fanning, describing their dynamic as one of his favorite television relationships.

Conan O'Brien: "You and Elle together. One of my favorite couples I've seen on TV in memory."

Hoult elaborates on developing his character, grappling with portraying a complex, often antagonistic figure while finding the human facets that make his character relatable.

Exploring "Nosferatu" and Collaboration with Robert Eggers

Timestamp: [45:00] – [53:00]

Hoult discusses his latest project, "Nosferatu," directed by Robert Eggers. He expresses admiration for Eggers' meticulous approach to filmmaking, noting the director's dedication to historical accuracy and atmospheric detail.

Conan O'Brien: "He is incredible, isn't he?"

Hoult highlights Eggers' commitment to crafting visually stunning and emotionally resonant films, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that brings out the best in the cast and crew.

Technical Glitches and Staff Review Segment

Timestamp: [55:00] – [70:00]

In a humorous interlude, Conan conducts a mock staff review with the show's technical team, particularly Eduardo Perez, the audio engineer. The segment is filled with playful ribbing and comedic exchanges about technical mishaps and office antics.

Conan O'Brien: "Eduardo, you do a very good job. You did. We were recording certain celebrity recently, I believe it was Caitlin Olsen..."

This segment showcases the lighthearted camaraderie among the show's team members while adding a layer of behind-the-scenes fun for listeners.

Closing Remarks and Friendship Aspirations

Timestamp: [71:00] – [55:18]

As the episode wraps up, Conan reiterates his desire to form a genuine friendship with Hoult, blending sincere appreciation with his trademark humor. Hoult responds positively, expressing mutual respect and the potential for future camaraderie.

Conan O'Brien: "Absolutely thrilled that you could be here today. And I do want to be your friend. I doubt it's going to happen."

Nicholas Hoult: "We can definitely be friends."

The episode concludes with a blend of heartfelt thanks and playful banter, leaving listeners with a sense of warmth and anticipation for future interactions.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Nicholas Hoult
  [12:04]: "I still think a lot of my sense of humor probably stems down a little bit from him [Hugh Grant]."

• Conan O'Brien
  [34:07]: "I have me a Taurus and you..."

• Nicholas Hoult
  [27:11]: "Nux is meant to be kind of essentially on his deathbed the day that you meet him at the start of the film."

• Conan O'Brien
  [53:35]: "I'll say from my vantage point, your work is excellent. And trust me, I think a word from Conan O'Brien carries a lot of weight in the film industry."

Conclusion

This episode of Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend offers an insightful and entertaining glimpse into Nicholas Hoult's career and personal experiences. Through engaging conversations and humorous exchanges, Conan and Hoult explore themes of friendship, fame, and the craft of acting, all while showcasing the genuine bond forming between host and guest.