Actors Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) and Ralph Ineson (Galactus) recently engaged in a playful debate about which of their supervillains would win in a head-to-head battle.
A Friendly Villain Rivalry
With Marvel’s Fantastic Four film on the horizon and DC’s Superman already making waves, two of Hollywood’s rising stars find themselves at the center of a different kind of competition. Nicholas Hoult is set to portray Lex Luthor, Superman’s arch-nemesis, while Ralph Ineson will embody Galactus, the planet-eater from Marvel Comics.
The two actors, who met on the set of *Nosferatu*, quickly realized they were vying for the title of “baddest man in town.” Their shared experiences in the superhero genre led to an amusing discussion about their respective characters’ power levels.
“Hold My Beer,” Said Galactus
Ralph Ineson shared in an interview with THR that the friendly rivalry escalated via text message. After seeing positive buzz for Hoult’s Lex Luthor performance, Ineson couldn’t resist sending a playful jab.
“I sent him something off social media that said that he gave the all-time greatest superhero villain performance, and I said, ‘Hold my beer.’” Ineson recounted. Hoult’s witty reply acknowledged the vast difference in their characters’ power, stating, “It’s hardly fair. You’re a cosmic entity; I’m just a guy.”
Ineson countered by pointing out that he battles four heroes, while Hoult’s character primarily faces one. The debate humorously concluded with Hoult remarking that a man who gets sick from spicy food shouldn’t compete with a demigod.
The Smooth Casting of a Cosmic Entity
Ineson also shed light on how he landed the monumental role of Galactus. He described the casting process as “spookily easy,” far simpler than he would have expected for a character of such magnitude.
He anticipated multiple rounds of taping and screen tests but instead had a brief meeting with the director, Matt Shakman, followed by quick confirmation. This straightforward process was apparently common among much of the *Fantastic Four* cast.
The Heavy Burden of a Planet-Eater
Embodying Galactus wasn’t without its physical challenges. Ineson revealed that the elaborate suit was incredibly heavy, leading to frequent breaks for massages during lunch. At 55 years old, the weight caused his knees to flare up.
The costume, combined with bright on-set lights, made for a sweltering experience. Ineson had a dedicated “pit crew” to keep him cool, as Galactus cannot sweat. They would implement 30-second cooling breaks, with crew members holding his gauntlet and helmet while an air conditioning unit was applied to the suit’s back.
- Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor) and Ralph Ineson (Galactus) playfully debated their characters’ power.
- Ineson challenged Hoult after positive reviews for Lex Luthor, saying “Hold my beer.”
- Galactus’s suit was so heavy Ineson needed massages and a “pit crew” for cooling.
While Lex Luthor may not stand a chance against a cosmic entity, both actors’ performances are generating significant buzz. Fans eagerly await *Fantastic Four* on July 25, hoping it achieves the same success as *Superman*.
