Nicholas Hoult says it felt ‘warm’ to be held by Superman star David Corenswet

Nicholas Hoult says he felt “warm and safe” in David Corenswet’s arms during Armchair Expert podcast chat.

Superman co-star Nicholas Hoult opened up about a deeply personal moment involving his fellow actor David Corenswet during a recent episode of the Armchair Expert podcast.

Hoult revealed that he felt “warm and safe” when Corenswet held him—a gesture that resonated deeply after a conversation with his wife highlighted how comforting it can be to be embraced by someone bigger.

On the podcast, Hoult shared: “I was chatting to my wife… and she was like, ‘You don't really get that, do you?’ …She said, ‘David could hold you.’ And I did [ask him]. It felt ‘warm and safe to be held.’” 

At 6’2.5″, Hoult is tall himself, but Corenswet, who stands about 6’4″ and bulked up to 238 lb for the role of Superman, provided a comforting embrace that left a memorable impact. The anecdote underscores the mutual trust and camaraderie behind the scenes as they gear up for the film’s July 11 release.

Hoult, portraying Lex Luthor, and Corenswet, as the titular Man of Steel, are central to James Gunn’s freshly rebooted DC Universe. Their dynamic mirrors real-life respect: Hoult was reportedly the first to recognize Corenswet as the right choice for Superman during auditions and has expressed admiration for his co-star’s physique and presence.

The duo appeared alongside Rachel Brosnahan in interviews, emphasizing their friendly off-screen relationship—something fans can expect to see reflected in the film’s on-screen tension.

As anticipation builds for Superman, out July 11, this heartwarming story reveals a layer of warmth behind the blockbuster’s superhero facade.