Conversations about fashion in superhero movies typically revolve around the costume. Spandex or Lycra? Leather or chain mail? Exposed or covered nipples? Trunks or a codpiece?
It’s safe to say that Nicholas Hoult has defied norms and become the intense sartorial focal point of this month’s press tour for “Superman,” DC Films’ and director James Gunn’s movie reboot led by David Corenswet. And it’s not even Hoult’s bald head or severe suits in his role as comic book baddie Lex Luthor – it’s his off-camera red carpet game that’s been captivating.
“Nicholas Hoult is absolutely killing it on this press tour,” one fan on X wrote last week, attaching a photo of Hoult in dark brown Prada look with rolled-up t-shirt sleeves and bleach blonde hair. Web headlines have celebrated his “style evolution” and branded him a “fashion killer” for numbers like black leather pants paired with pinstripes and a blazer. A normcore leather bomber from Burberry also impressed style watchers around the world.
Hoult’s winning streak culminated in a now-viral moment in New York, rocking Celine jeans and a rough crew knit sweater (above, left) fastened by the sleeves across his chest – otherwise known as “tying one on.” That image, which also showcased the lean muscle Hoult has developed in his “Superman” era, blew up to the point that Corenswet mocked the look days later, joking that his co-star was stealing his style.
Audiences online have reveled in this pivot from Hoult, whose aristocratic vibe has made for great period dramas but never juiced his off-duty style. More than a few industry players have noted to Variety this week that they’re seeing the actor in a new light.
Nicholas Hoult attends the “Superman” photocall at the Corinthia Hotel London on July 3.
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It’s an important reminder for actors that slaying the carpet translates to soft power. Take Zendaya, a unicorn in her generation of talent, who has made the global media students of her evolving looks, particularly as a pioneer of the method dressing phenomenon. Every time she hits a carpet, a new chapter of lore is written in her biography. It’s harder for men to break through in this way, but look to Timothee Chalamet and Colman Domingo as A-list examples.
If you need numbers, let’s consult the highly scientific IMDb Star Meter, a ranking of how often someone’s page is viewed on the internet movie database. Hoult jumped nearly 60 points in the last week (yes, yes, a firehose of movie marketing doesn’t hurt his search numbers either), bringing him to No. 49 on the ranking. That’s the second-highest in his career. Not bad for a Batman also-ran, who is part of a class of Brit invaders that some often can’t tell apart (George MacKay and Harris Dickinson, anyone?).
The architect behind this unexpected success is Jason Bolden, a long-trusted stylist whose clients include Michael B. Jordan, Nicole Kidman and Cynthia Erivo. Bolden and Hoult teamed up less than 3 months ago and the results are clear. Variety caught Bolden on a break from tying sweaters and setting fashion TikTok ablaze to discuss how the magic happens.
When did you two start working together?
Jason Bolden: It’s been less than three months, but it’s one of those that feels like forever. He’s my brother now. We have the same type of humor and banter.
What were your references for this tour? The looks have been classic and masculine but elevated.
There used to be a blueprint on what a movie star looked like, but I’m more interested in dressing for talent’s natural personality. Nicholas is witty, but don’t forget he was a model. Go look at some of his earlier photos, especially the campaign he did for Tom Ford. He’s British, so he’s already got a downtown sophistication. I wanted to use that with some more modern elements. He also asks no questions. He is game to just do it. We had one fitting and he committed. Another big factor for this was how hot the weather has been during this tour.
Enter the viral sweater.
What’s funny is, he was supposed to fully wear that sweater. We were doing a talk show, and he was going to change into another look. It’s always so cold on those soundstages, and I keep my sweaters tied across my body by the sleeves. We knew it would be hot outside when we left, and I told him to wear it like I would. He laughed. He doesn’t take it seriously, and also, he was super comfortable in it. I think it’s resonating because it feels authentic and comfortable.
Nicholas Hoult in New York on June 30.
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Have you seen David Corenswet’s tribute to that look?
So amazing and funny. These two together, in full bro mode.
I can confidently say that many industry players have started to look at him differently.
It’s wild. A lot of this work is about partnership. I take this approach to everyone from Cynthia to Nicole Kidman to Michael B. We don’t listen to outside voices; it’s about listening to what the talent wants, pushing them, but still maintaining their identity. That’s why I got into this business. To make mega-stars.
Have you created a monster? Is he becoming a clothes horse?
What’s charming about Nick is that he’s not driven by social media; he just has an appreciation for the process. It’s endearing, so no, he’s not becoming a fashion monster. I haven’t seen him flip that switch yet. I don’t know it’s in him.
Hoult on the red carpet at the Los Angeles premiere of “Superman” on July 7, and the London fan event on July 2.
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