Nicholas Hoult, celebrated for his chilling portrayal of Lex Luthor in James Gunn’s Superman (2025) and his earlier role as Hank McCoy, aka Beast, in four of 20th Century Fox’s X-Men films—X-Men: First Class, X-Men: Days of Future Past, X-Men: Apocalypse, and Dark Phoenix, along with a cameo in Deadpool 2—has recently addressed speculation about returning to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in the highly anticipated Avengers: Secret Wars. In a candid Vanity Fair interview conducted with a lie detector test, Hoult discussed whether his commitment to the DC Universe as Lex Luthor might affect his chances of reprising Beast, offering a grounded perspective on his involvement in the MCU’s Multiverse Saga.
During the Vanity Fair interview, conducted alongside his Superman co-star David Corenswet, Hoult was asked if his role as Lex Luthor in Superman reduced his prospects of returning as Beast in Avengers: Secret Wars. His response was direct yet laced with humor: “No. I don’t think I had a high chance anyway.” This comment, verified as truthful by the lie detector, suggests that Marvel Studios has not approached Hoult for a return, despite his past enthusiasm for reprising the role. Hoult’s tenure as Beast, starting with the brilliant, youthful scientist in 2011’s X-Men: First Class, showcased his ability to bring depth to the character’s intellectual and emotional complexity, cementing his place in the Fox-era X-Men franchise. His remarks reflect a pragmatic acceptance that his time as the blue-furred mutant may have concluded, particularly given other casting developments in the MCU.
The discussion also touched on the return of Beast in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, the precursor to Avengers: Secret Wars. However, it will not be Hoult donning the blue fur. Instead, Kelsey Grammer, who first portrayed Beast in 2006’s X-Men: The Last Stand and appeared briefly in 2023’s The Marvels, is set to reprise the role. Grammer’s casting was confirmed during a March livestream event by Marvel Studios, which also announced returning actors from the Fox X-Men films, including Patrick Stewart as Professor X and Ian McKellen as Magneto. Hoult expressed admiration for Grammer’s portrayal, stating, “He’s a good Beast. Kelsey Grammer. The first.” This acknowledgment, also cleared by the lie detector, highlights Hoult’s respect for the veteran actor, who brought a seasoned, physically imposing Beast to the screen in the earlier X-Men trilogy.
Grammer’s return as Beast in Avengers: Doomsday signals Marvel Studios’ intent to integrate legacy characters from the Fox X-Men universe into the MCU’s expansive Multiverse Saga. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo, the film is poised to feature a massive ensemble, including Robert Downey Jr. and other confirmed X-Men veterans like James Marsden and Rebecca Romijn. Grammer’s Beast, last seen in a post-credits scene in The Marvels, is expected to play a significant role, leveraging his established presence in the mutant narrative. Meanwhile, Marvel Studios is developing an X-Men reboot with a fresh cast, with names like Jesse Plemons rumored for key roles, suggesting that Hoult’s iteration of Beast may not align with the MCU’s future plans for the mutant team.
While Hoult’s return as Beast seems unlikely, the prospect remains captivating, especially given the multiversal scope of Avengers: Secret Wars. The 2015 comic storyline of the same name involves alternate realities colliding, which could theoretically allow multiple versions of characters, such as Hoult’s and Grammer’s Beasts, to coexist. Hoult’s portrayal brought a younger, introspective Hank McCoy to life, blending scientific genius with inner turmoil over his mutant identity. Seeing him navigate the MCU’s cosmic stakes alongside other multi-versal heroes would be a thrilling addition.
For now, fans can anticipate Avengers: Doomsday, set to release on December 18, 2026, directed by the Russo Brothers, with Avengers: Secret Wars following on December 17, 2027, promising to conclude the MCU’s Multiverse Saga with an epic clash of heroes and villains.
